HAVELOCK, N.C. — President Joe Biden spent some time with troops in the Tar Heel State Monday ahead of Thanksgiving. He was at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Craven County.
That’s in Havelock, a huge military town thanks to the air station and many local veteran-owned businesses.
The owner of one of those businesses, Perla Caraballo of Perla’s Alterations, says she’s grateful for the president’s visit and she knows what it will mean for the troops.
What You Need To Know
President Joe Biden and the first lady visited the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station Monday for a “Friendsgiving” with the troops
The president did something similar last year in Fort Bragg
Local business owner, Perla Caraballo, says the visit means a lot to the troops in her community that she serves every day
Caraballo is known for her skills with a needle and thread — and because military uniforms come with such strict regulations, that skill is highly sought after around Cherry Point
“It’s 80% military uniforms in my shop, and I do also civilians like weddings, wedding gowns, suits,” Caraballo said. “I’ve been in this business for 20 years.”
Taking care of the uniforms is something she takes pride in because it’s close to her heart.
“I’m also a Marine wife,” she said. “My husband was in the military for 20 years, and he’s been retired for 20 years.”
She knows the sacrifice veterans make for their country, and she wants them to know that it’s deeply appreciated — not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.
“I would like to thank all the active and retired people their services,” Caraballo said. “I think without them we won’t be able to make this place safe.”
And it’s not just Caraballo saying thank you. Biden spent Monday on the coast to thank the troops for their service ahead of Thanksgiving.
“It is really important for him to support our troops,” Caraballo said. “It is really great that he comes and visit and actually stay and have dinner with the troops. It’s a lot.”
For Caraballo, it’s important to make sure the military and its veterans feel not only appreciated but good too.
“For me, when I take their uniform to make them look good, when they come in and try them on after the alteration, that’s an accomplishment for me,” Caraballo said. “I want all my customers to come out of the door happy. I think I accomplish it most of the time.”
This isn’t the first time the Bidens have traveled to North Carolina to celebrate with our servicemen and women. Last November, the first couple joined the roughly 54,000 residents for “Friendsgiving” at Fort Bragg. It’s a way of showing appreciation to military members — many of whom won’t be able to go home for the holiday or spend time with their families.