R&R for the recruits
Free telephone calls, a chance to relax and a Thanksgiving dinner awaited sailors Thanksgiving Day at an American Legion Post in Arlington Heights and at a Barrington church.
At American Legion Post 208 sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Academy in North Chicago enjoyed a trip to a local theater or bowling alley and an opportunity to play video games on a widescreen TV.
Many sailors opted to stay back at the legion hall to make phone calls across the country to wish their families a happy Thanksgiving.
The 45 sailors arrived at 9 a.m. and were served a catered turkey breast meal at noon, said Louie Mack, the post's junior vice commander.
Some cadets who stayed behind at the post said they liked eating food they couldn't have at boot camp.
"This is an amazing experience after being stuck in boot camp," said Joshua Cooke, 19, of Van, Texas. "You don't appreciate the small things until you don't have them, like a brownie that's not fat-free. We have not stopped smiling since we got here."
Cody Loving, 18, from Santa Fe, Texas, said next to watching football, he liked eating all the rich food.
"There's not a healthy piece of food in sight," Loving said.
At St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Barrington, sailors made free phone calls, watched movies and played video games.
The church also hosted about 60 kids from Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.
Cooking for 200 people, the volunteers made 20 turkeys, 75 pounds of mashed potatoes and 30 homemade pies, said Catherine Koelling, a church volunteer.
The phone bank appeared to be the most popular destination for the cadets, who wanted to call home.
Shamanique Gillian, 18, from St. Petersburg, Fla., said she most liked the chance to relax after spending time in boot camp. She didn't eat much because she has to pass a fitness test Monday; she didn't want to gain weight.
Tim Tomaneng, 20, of Winchester, Calif., said he watched his food intake for the same reason, eating only turkey and broccoli. His favorite part was the church volunteers.
"I really like the people," Tomaneng said. "They served us, and if we needed anything, they got it for us."