Navy Recruits Get Christmas Meal, Welcome Break From Boot Camp

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A few dozen future sailors got a festive break from boot camp at an Arlington Heights high school. The recruits training at Naval Station Great Lakes had a beef rib roast dinner at the Christian Liberty Academy, the Daily Herald reported.

"Although you're not from Arlington Heights, we want you to consider Arlington Heights your hometown today," Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said at the event, according to the Herald report.

The recruits, with a police and fire escort, arrived at the school around 9:30 a.m., Streets of Arlington Heights reported, and were met by volunteers waving American flags.

The people's generosity was far from unnoticed. "I feel respected," said 18-year-old Seaman Recruit Rashid Ackiss, the Herald report says.

The event is run by Linda and Bob Stack, whose son, Marine Lance Cpl. James Stack, was killed fighting in Afghanistan in 2010, Streets of Arlington Heights reported.

Boot camp gets the recruits ready for military life and prepares them for more specialized training. The eight-week program focuses on discipline, physical fitness, basic ship operations, weapons familiarization and lots more.

Mayor Hays, a U.S. Army veteran, was sure to tease the recruits about Army's victory over Navy in their rivalry-driven football game.

Regardless, "we're all brothers and sisters in arms on the battlefield," Hayes said.

Photo credit: (Nov. 28, 2018) A recruit receives instruction during his night of arrival at Recruit Training Command. More than 30,000 recruits graduate annually from the Navy's only boot camp. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Camilo Fernan/Released)