In the midst of holiday celebrations, residents living at Brookdale Assisted Living in Oceanside received a special visit. Marines from Camp Pendleton spent their morning offering their companionship to veterans living there. "I was surprised there was so many people here but it was really interesting watching the interaction,” Army Veteran and Brookdale Assisted Living Facility Resident, Allen Thomas said. Brookdale is home to about 18 veterans, its celebrations like these that bring together those who served and are currently serving our country. “If you're a veteran then we are family regardless of you know, how old you are, where you live, what you do,” Camp Pendleton Engagement OIC, 1st Lt. Jorin Hollenbeak said. The facility was filled with decorations and food to bring in the holiday spirit. Its a gesture that brought joy to both active service members and veterans. Allen Thomas served in the U.S Army for three years, from 1966 to 1969. Now living at Brookdale, he recalls how difficult holidays can be away from home. “I’ve spent a Christmas away when I was in Korea, I've got two sons who are in the navy and many times we spent times on deployment,” Thomas said. FULL STORY: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-county-veterans-receive-visit-camp-pendleton-marines/509-ec152402-3062-4108-a8be-e45927a37f62