Cheney visits Great Lakes Naval Training Center

Besides serving their country, another reason sailors join the Navy, is of course to see the world, as the old recruiting posters use to boast.

But sailors first have to travel to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago, the Navy's sole boot camp, which is almost 900 miles from the nearest drop of salt water.

The Navy figured out that Midwesterners had a natural attraction to their service, so in 1911, the base was opened to bring the sea to the Heartland. Nebraskan Richard Herbert Cheney, father of the vice president, was one of those sailors who began his Navy career in North Chicago.

Dick Cheney was visited Great Lakes Friday afternoon.

From the Daily Herald:

Knowing that he had a connection here through his father to this base really gives the recruits a purpose and boosts their morale," Chief Petty Officer Jason Donlea said. "Plus, it's reassuring to the morale of troops that the upper chain of command is watching over us."

Cheney spoke for 10 minutes inside a drill hall at the base on the importance of having men and women serve in the Navy.

He told them that each recruit should be filled with pride in their effort to become sailors and that hard work -- not luck -- is the reason America has not been hit by another terrorist strike since Sept. 11, 2001.

"I look at you with admiration, confidence and pride," Cheney said. "And I bring the great respect and good wishes of your commander in chief, President George W. Bush."

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