11 Memorable Military Holiday Stories, as Told by Service Members and Veterans
Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, before being dropped off by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to deliver Christmas presents, Dec. 25, 2012. (Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton/U.S. Army photo)
Military.com | By Joanna Guldin
Published December 20, 2024
Celebrating the holiday season away from home -- especially for the first time -- can be difficult. It can also be an adventure. For many service members, the most wonderful time of the year is full of tensions: missing family but creating familial bonds with friends; feeling the peace of Christmas Eve night while at war; sitting at the kids' table but feeling like an adult. Those paradoxes are what make for interesting, engaging tales.
We asked our readers to share their stories about celebrating the holiday season in uniform, and you responded with accounts of service and celebration. Here are 11 of the most memorable military holiday tales, as told by service members and veterans. You won't soon forget them.
Some selections have been edited for length and clarity.
https://www.military.com/off-duty/11-memorable-military-holiday-stories-told-service-members-and-veterans.html
