Christmas Dinner Brings Cheer to Coast Guard Families in Hawaii
Late last year, thousands of military service members and families were displaced from their homes when a fuel leak from the Navy’s Red Hill facility contaminated the water supply. About 250 Coast Guard members and families were part of this relocation, and most are currently displaced to temporary housing until there is satisfactory resolution to the water supply issue.
At the time, the approaching holiday season only added to the stress of being unexpectedly away from home.
To bring some holiday cheer and boost spirits, the Coast Guard Foundation partnered with senior Coast Guard leadership in Hawaii to host a special dinner at Honolulu’s Hale Koa Hotel on Christmas Day.
Coast Guard families checked in for one of two seatings in the hotel’s Koko Cafe and were treated to a delicious meal prepared by the resort’s culinary team. At the same time, the younger kids enjoyed a timeless classic - chicken tenders and fries- surpassed only by a cast-iron baked chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream for dessert!
District 14 Command Master Chief Charlie Salls and Reserve Chief Petty Officer Heather Salls organized the event for the local community to everyone’s great appreciation. Rear Adm. Matthew Sibley, Commander of District Fourteen, was among the volunteers present to greet guests and share Christmas wishes.
“Thank you for supporting our Coast Guard families during this challenging time; we are most grateful,” shared Chief Charlie Salls.
The Coast Guard Foundation is also distributing morale and wellness support to 18 Hawaii units where affected Coast Guard members are stationed.
“We recognize that the impact extends far beyond the families who are displaced,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Our support will help boost morale and build community for all Coast Guard members throughout Honolulu during this particularly challenging time.”
