Employees at the Great Escape, a lounge space for enlisted service members E-5 and below, hosted “Home for the Holidays” aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 24 and 25.
“Home for the Holidays” is a program that complements single Marines and Sailors to families who want to invite service members to their holiday gatherings.
“We have families out in the community who like to show their appreciation for the active duty service people,” said Sandra Ward, a recreational assistant at the Great Escape. “We take down all their information and then we pair up the enlisted guys … with families that have similar interests.”
“Home for the Holidays” made it possible for Cpl. Willie Williams, an administrative clerk with Marine Aircraft Logistics Squadron 11 and a Richmond, Virginia native, to enjoy a family with Lisa and Edward Lindgren. More than 30 family members and friends gathered for a meal of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, homemade bread, salad, string beans and assorted pies for dessert.
“Some people can’t go home,” said Williams. “They might not be able to afford it at the time. [Home for the Holidays] gives the opportunity for someone else to give. You get to spend time with families that want you here.”
Nicole Bradley, a “Home for the Holidays” sponsor and a San Diego native, said this will be her first time participating in the “Home for the Holidays” program.
“Look at all they do for us,” said Bradley. “I know that when they go overseas or if they’re fighting that they’re doing it for the people over there and they’re doing it for us. If I can host them a dinner, that’s nothing compared to what they give to us.”
According to Ward, the “Home for the Holidays” program has provided the opportunity for Marines and Sailors to share a holiday meal with San Diego families since the Great Escape first opened in 1987.
“We’ve never had anybody come back either holiday to say that they didn’t have a good time,” said Ward. “They feed them well [and] show them a lot of appreciation. So it’s a wonderful program.”
Williams said he also participated in “Home for the Holidays” during Thanksgiving.
“I think it’s a needed program,” said Williams. “I didn’t want to stay in my room and play video games. I probably would be if I wasn’t here because I wouldn’t have [anything] to do. I would rather be here, with the family and them showing me love.”
To find out more information about the “Home for the Holidays” program, contact the Great Escape at (858) 577-6171.