It was a warm and pleasant November day in Cape May, allowing for outdoor activities to be included during Operation Fireside. Nearly 600 Coast Guard recruits were able to take a break from their rigerous basic training and spend Thanksgiving with 100 host families and community organizations across Cape May County.

For twin sister recruits Elizah and Essence Torres of Georgia, this included roasting hot dogs and having smores for lunch outside as one of the turkeys the Hulse Family was preparing for dinner was roasting on an open fire in their backyard. Chris Hulse and her husband Glenn of Cape May are both military veterans and recalled how tough it could be when you’re away from family on the holidays.

“I knew then, that moving forward I’d always invite people who needed a place to be, especially the military,” said Chris. “It’s such a blessing, really, to have the recruits in our home right now. And tonight, another host family who live nearby will join us with their three recruits to share dessert. We have a lot to be thankful for!”

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Operation Fireside provides recruits from the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May with a place to call home on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas Day. The recruits, who are away from home during the Coast Guard’s eight-week basic training, are matched by the Red Cross and the Coast Guard with local families who are willing to open their homes to recruits during the holidays.

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For more than 40 years, Cape May area families and local organizations have welcomed the recruits, with many continuing the tradition year after year. This includes Tracey Martin and her family in Cape May.

“I honestly can’t tell you how long we’ve been hosting -- it’s a family tradition with us,” said Tracey. “I’m glad we have the opportunity to give the recruits a little break from basic training: some down time to relax and touch base with their families since they can’t be with them and a nice home-cooked holiday meal.”

Ella and Donald Gay of Ocean View have participated in Operation Fireside since 1999. “We love having the recruits join us for Thanksgiving,” said Ella. “They’re part of our community and we feel good showing our support.”

Cape May County families apply for the opportunity to host recruits during the holidays with Operation Fireside. All host families must live within 50 miles or within a 60-minute drive (whichever comes first) of the Coast Guard Training Center at One Munro Avenue in Cape May. Host families are added on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who apply and meet the criteria are matched with recruits for the holidays.

“We’re honored to work with the U.S. Coast Guard to make Operation Fireside come together each year,” said Amy Nyangena, regional manager, Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “We’re so thankful to the 100 generous Cape May area families, along with the American Legion in Somers Point and Elks Lodge in Millville, who warmly welcomed 600 recruits with a Thanksgiving feast and the comforts of home.”

Coordination of Operation Fireside is led by two wonderful and incredibly dedicated Red Cross volunteers, Ken and Linda Ballan, whose work is greatly appreciated.

Learn more about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces at redcross.org/SAF.