OPERATION FIRESIDE   Recruits celebrate Thanksgiving with community members CAPE MAY, N.J. – Local community members participating in Operation Fireside are scheduled to pick up 452 recruits here at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, Thursday at 9 a.m., to celebrate Thanksgiving. Since 1981, the Cape May County Chapter of the American Red Cross has sponsored Operation Fireside with Training Center Cape May. This community relations event is a way for local community members and military families to host recruits in their home on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Recruits in training weeks three through eight are eligible to participate in Operation Fireside. If possible, the training center staff tries to graduate the week eight company early so they can spend the holidays with their families.

I had the opportunity to participate in Operation Fireside at my friend's house Carol Ann Allen in Belleplain, NJ Carol Ann also does it for Christmas. She has a son Paul who is now serving in the Army + has served 2 tours in Iraq. Carol Ann's children at Christmas choose not to receive any presents. Instead, they want the money to be used for Goodie Boxes for the troops. The Coasties enjoyed a great dinner + were able to make calls home + also had access to the internet. John OMFH ******************************************************* U.S. Coast Guard recruits treated to Thanksgiving meals at local residents' homes http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/u-s-coast-guard-recruits-treated-to-thanksgiving-meals-at/article_9711f0b4-1721-11e1-a0ab-001cc4c002e0.html

CHAPEL PICK UP AREA

CALLING HOME

RECRUITS + JOHN FROM OMFH

FAMILY + FRIENDS

DEFINETLY NOT THE MESS HALL

HAPPY CAMPERS

"WHISKEY 185"

Michael Guy - Jamie Campbell

Paige Dockery - Kofi Hovi

Koffi + Michael