On Christmas Day, U.S. Navy recruits from the Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, will be able to connect with their families, thanks to a new partnership between Patriot Mobile and Cell Phones for Soldiers. The two organizations are working together to provide cell phone service for recruits participating in the Adopt-A-Sailor program, a nationwide initiative designed to support sailors who are away from home during the holiday season.
“By providing donated cell phones from the American public, we’re able to give these recruits a much-needed connection to their loved ones,” Rob Bergquist, Founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers said in a statement sent to media.
The Adopt-A-Sailor program, sponsored by the American Legion Post 991 in Worth, Illinois, allows families, civic organizations, and church groups to “adopt” recruits, giving them a chance to spend the holiday away from base. The recruits, who will join the event from the Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, will also be provided with the means to call home with donated cell phones and service.
“We wanted to ensure that all of these recruits had the ability to call home on Christmas Day,” Glenn Story, CEO of Patriot Mobile said.
Patriot Mobile is a wireless provider known for its commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans, and first responders, and donated unlimited cellular service for the recruits at the Christmas event. The company, founded in 2013, donates a portion of its proceeds to causes that support America’s military and veterans.
Cell Phones for Soldiers has been serving military personnel since 2004, providing free communication services and emergency funding. The nonprofit group has recycled over 25 million cell phones, and raised funds to offer more than 400 million minutes of talk time to service members deployed around the world.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter / X @christinakb.
Photo “Soldier Calls Home” by Cell Phones For Soldiers.
