Common for U.S. Soldiers to Return Home for Christmas

Introduction

Christmas is a time when families gather, and for many Americans, it's a chance to see loved ones. However, for U.S. soldiers, the holiday serves a different purpose, often marked by deployment or serving at various locations. This article explores the commonality (or lack thereof) of U.S. soldiers returning home for Christmas.

Understanding the Concept of 'Home'

Home is a conceptually ambiguous term for U.S. soldiers, especially when discussing Christmas. In an operational context, home can be anywhere a soldier is stationed, not necessarily their hometown.

For many soldiers, the term 'home' is confined to their military base or post. They are responsible for paying for their airfare to return to their hometowns if they have approved leave. However, unless they are stationed there, the military base is often the primary 'home' during most of the year.

Personal Experience and Anecdotes

My 24 years in the service allowed me to return home for only four Christmases. My brother and son, both Army veterans, also faced similar challenges. Deployments are frequent, and holidays can sometimes only be celebrated in locations far from home.

Even my father, who retired from the service, reported spending only one Christmas away from home during his career, which was due to a deployment during Desert Storm. This instance underscores the unavoidable nature of deployment and the impact it can have on personal and family life.

Deployment Impact on Holidays

Some deployments can last through Christmas, making the holiday particularly emotionally challenging for service members and their families. For instance, during my career, I spent two Christmases in boot camp instead of with my family.

Additionally, a significant milestone of my life was the birth of my son in February 1998. I was not present for his birth, nor have I seen him since he was born. This unique experience, along with adopting my third child, further emphasizes the challenges faced by military families during holidays.

Personal Anecdotes and Military Life

During my career, I spent Christmases in various locations such as Vietnam, Japan, Antarctica, Sardinia, and the Middle East. Each of these places was-my home during that holiday season. The experience of celebrating Christmas away from family was both anticipated and challenging.

Policies on Leave and Holiday Observance

Military leave policies can be restrictive. Deployments often last 9 months, and emergency leave, if granted, is the sole form of leave during such periods. Therefore, soldiers are not always guaranteed the chance to return home for every Christmas.

Conclusion

In summary, while some U.S. soldiers do manage to return home for Christmas, many find themselves stationed far from their families during this time. The experiences of deployed service members highlight the complexities and sacrifices of military life, especially during holidays.