Recruits from Naval Station Great Lakes enjoy Christmas cheer in Arlington Heights

The annual celebration was held at Christian Liberty Academy and was hosted by science teacher Bob Stack and his wife, Linda, whose son, Marine Lance Cpl. James Stack, was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 10, 2010.

Navy recruit Nicholas Menza, of Florida, smiles as he looks around the Christian Liberty Academy gymnasium in Arlington Heights on Christmas morning. He came with several other recruits from Great Lakes Naval Academy in Waukegan for a holiday party. He led the recruits in “Anchors Aweigh,” the U.S. Navy song.

Navy recruit Nicholas Menza of Florida joins other recruits from Great Lakes Naval Academy in Waukegan for a holiday party at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights.

John Starks/Daily Herald

On a warm Christmas Day, about 50 recruits from Naval Station Great Lakes received the warmest of welcomes at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights.

They arrived in a school bus escorted by the Warriors’ Watch Riders and, as they climbed the steps to the entrance, were flanked by cheering, flag-waving supporters.

The annual celebration was held at the academy and was once again hosted by science teacher Bob Stack and his wife, Linda, whose son, Marine Lance Cpl. James Stack, was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 10, 2010.

“This is our 11th year,” Bob Stack said. “We lost two years because of” COVID-19.

“We count it an honor to do this,” said Stack, who said he is reminded of his son when he is with the sailors. He said his son’s 14-year-old daughter, Mikayla, attends school at Christian Liberty.

Read more at dailyherald.com.

The Latest
Kakadoodle Farm is under a 150-day quarantine after bird flu culls flock. The owners are now looking into how to re-launch once the quarantine is lifted. “People that go through hard times, they can either ask, ‘Why me?’ or they can ask ‘What’s next?’” Marty Thomas said.
Quality victories help these stuck-in-a-rut basketball squads pick up much-needed traction
The Bears kicked off their latest new era.
Playwright James Ijames plays constantly with two types of expectations: the ones your family places on you, and the ones that Shakespeare has placed on all of us.