Imperial Beach Supports Sailors, Families with Thanksgiving Baskets

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Amanda Huntoon, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base Coronado Sailors were selected to participate in the ninth annual Thanksgiving basket giveaway aboard the base, Nov. 17.

Each individual command at Naval Base Coronado nominated a few Sailors who needed additional support during the holidays. Three hundred Sailors and their families received baskets with everything needed for a complete Thanksgiving Day meal.

"Each year I am totally amazed at the amount of compassion and care that the vendors show towards the military," said Naval Base Coronado Command Master Chief Kenneth Shivers. "The support is astonishing. I am amazed at the amount of support in San Diego around this time of year.

"The amount of people, both military and non-military, who call my office offering support for the Sailors, from Adopt-a-Family to people opening their homes up to the Sailors who don't have a place to go during the holidays, I find it very remarkable," said Shivers.

The baskets included an 18-20 pound turkey, celery, stuffing, a loaf of bread, cranberry sauce, sugar cookie mix, gravy mix, broth, potatoes, and a roasting pan.

"We started this in 2002, with probably about $50 and three vendors, and through the years we continue to get more and more participation from the vendors, and we receive more funds, which allow us to help more Sailors," said Freddie Espiritu, Imperial Beach Commissary store director. "The Store's main intention is to be the store for military members and families, and we want to show our appreciation and our support for the active duty members of this base by providing the Sailors with a holiday meal."

According to Espiritu, this year the Imperial Beach Commissary brought in a total of $10,000 for their Thanksgiving basket collection. This money came from donations made from their vendors.

"It is really great for them to do this for military families, especially my family, because this year we have had a really hard time," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Raymundo Aguilar, assigned to the "Firehawks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85. "My father-in-law passed away, and this thanksgiving basket is going to provide for my family. I have three kids and my spouse and with the economy being hard, this is really helpful."

The Sailors also participated in a drawing where they received additional gifts which included hams, televisions, toys, and gift bags.

"It is really wonderful to support what these women and gentleman do for our country," said Peter LaMontia, a vendor with WEBCO General Partnership. "It's amazing. You see their faces, and you really get a sense of your heart going out to them. I am so blessed to be a part of this."