It's the time of year when families come together, but this Christmas Charles Johnson's family is missing someone special on the other side of the world.
"We were delighted that he was able to call us. It is evening in Kuwait where he is stationed now after spending a year in Iraq,", said Charles Johnson, stepfather of Army Corporal Cliff McCormick.
"We got the call this morning and that was the best Christmas gift of all."
While Private Alex Menn is certainly glad to be home for Christmas. It is a particularly moving time for his mom, Denise, "I'm just so proud of him its just very emotional."
For generations her family has known the heartbreak of a soldier being away during the holidays.
Alex's great-grandfather served in WW-1 and his grandfather in WW-2.
Grandmother Helen Rivers has 2 reasons to be proud, but one reason to be glad and one reason to be sad this Christmas.
Her grandson, William, who's about to set sail, could not come home, but was able to call.
"Just Merry Xmas and that he was doing well."
But the Christmas blessing is her granddaughter, Army Private Angel Rivers who is home for the first time in months. "Yes and I've missed her tremendously too because she's been gone since July."
