Press Release

For Immediate Release

December 14 ,2022

VETERANS GROUPS BRINGS 50 SAILORS TO MOUNT PROSPECT FOR THANKSGIVING FESTIVITIES

Mount Prospect Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 hosted fifty US Navy recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center on Thanksgiving Day for the "Adopt-a-Sailor” program.  This inspiring event has been around for 23 years but, after a two year, Covid related, hiatus, it has returned -- this year to Mount Prospect for the first time.  The Posts plan to make this an annual event.

The recruits were picked up by bus on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2022, and arrived at the posts HQ in the early morning.  The day began with greetings from local vets and Village officials followed by coffee and some breakfast treats.  About 1100 hrs. the "Entertainment” part of the program began with a greeting from Korea Defense veteran Comrade Casey Bachara, the event Chairman, and the Commanders of Post 1337 and Post 525.  Following that a local magician performed and a couple of post members played some popular songs on their guitars and took requests.  Of course, the recruits sang along and, as usual, did so enthusiastically.  The entertainment concluded with an inspiring version of "Anchors Away” sung by all of the recruits.  Turkey and trimmings were served about 1300 hrs. followed by some great desserts.  During the day our sailors made good use of the phones and computers set up in banks to contact their families.  This was especially meaningful for the recruits because they are in Basic Training and are not permitted leave time for the holiday.   For many of them, this was their first time away from home.  After some heart felt "good byes”  the sailors boarded the buses about 1700 hrs. for their return to the base.

Anyone desiring additional information about the Adopt-a-Sailor program is encouraged to contact Casey Bachara by email at: mcgee045@icloud.com or via phone at: (847)299-3613.