Starting Thursday , free Christmas trees will be available for active duty soldiers, including the Guard and Reserve. It's an annual program sponsored by Fed-Ex, the Christmas Spirit Foundation, and the Rock Island Arsenal Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program.
Several years ago, Fed-Ex began delivering 18,000 real trees each year to military bases in the US and around the world. And the trees come from hundreds of growers and retailers in 29 states.
Beginning at noon Thursday, the trees will be available for pickup on a first come, first served basis at Memorial Field Pavilion on Arsenal Island. If any are left after December 8th, they'll be available for military retirees and workers on the island.