It was an emotional Thanksgiving for hundreds of Coast Guard recruits going through boot camp in Cape May since many of them were away from their families for the first time on the holiday.
However, although the recruits could not go home for Thanksgiving, they were able to be welcomed into the homes of host families.
“It’s about gratitude. This is an opportunity for our recruits to see that the community values them. But also an opportunity for community to be grateful,” said Capt. Amanda Lee, the commanding officer at Training Center Cape May.
The experience is all thanks to Operation Fireside, a decades old tradition that is organized by the American Red Cross.
“It’s an amazing way to see community at work, and just be grateful for the recruits and what they do for our country,” said Dianne Concannon, of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region.
In all, around 100 families and several organizations volunteer to host around 600 recruits this Thanksgiving.
“Just because of what they do and they are so close here. And you feel bad when they are far from their families,” said Karen Yates, who hosted four recruits for dinner along with her family.
“It is tough and being here really does help” a recruit told NBC10. “It really does feel like another family they get to take you in and be there for you. I am so grateful and appreciative for that.”
Although the recruits could not see their families in person, they were able to call them for the first time in weeks.
Operation Fireside will also return for Christmas, sending a message to recruits that they are appreciated and not alone.
“It makes me feel like what I’m doing is worth it,” said Valencia Coles, a Coast Guard recruit. “Like, it’s not just my family rooting me on. It’s people I don’t even know rooting me on.”
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