Marines Join Local Families for Thanksgiving

By Angela Monroe

CREATED Nov. 23, 2012

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  • Families provided a home away from home so hundreds of Marines could enjoy a turkey dinner. Video by kmir6.com

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Families provided a home away from home so hundreds of Marines could enjoy a turkey dinner.
It is part of the Adopt a Marine Program.
 
The Marines are in town, and a large crowd of families are welcoming them into their homes for Thanksgiving.
"Most of the Marines here today are younger, they're in a training school at Twentynine Palms Base, and do not have the opportunity to go home for Thanksgiving, and for many of them, this is the first time they've spent the holiday away from their family," said founder and president of American Friends of Our Armed Forces, Walt Van Benthuysen.
So families from six different country clubs, including Toscana, opened their doors to their newly adopted Marines. The Suydam family put the turkey in the oven, and set the table for their special guests.
"We were fortunate last year to have Marines with us, and we just appreciate everything that they've done for us, and it's a way of sharing the holiday with someone who is helping us in every way in terms of securing our safety and our freedom in this country," said Fran Suydam, one of the host families.
The Adopt a Marine Program continues to grow every year, it started with just eight Marines, this year 288.
"This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for this, and I'm also thankful for all the people who have been supporting us, it's been a great, great experience," said PFC Jordan Ranis with the US Marine Corps.
Enjoying lunch before the big meal, it already felt like a family gathering.
"We have such overriding respect for these guys and what they do, that we knew it could only enhance our experience, and it truly did end up being one of the best Thanksgivings we had," said John Suydam, who invited the Marines over for Thanksgiving.
And from adopted families, to the Marine family, there's plenty to be thankful for this holiday.
"Everywhere you go you're part of a family, its really cool, I was amazed how many programs there are, how much people are willing to welcome you into their homes, that's what we're thankful for, I mean people just inviting us to come over," said PFC Yair Silverberg with the US Marine Corps.
A home away from home, for Marines serving our country.