Hundreds of military troops stationed in San Antonio headed home for holidays

After spending months away from home, hundreds of troops stationed in San Antonio are ready to see friends and family.

“I’m looking forward to surprising them. They don’t know I’m coming home and it’s a wonderful feeling,” said Pvt. Sharon Sweet, 68W Combat Medic in training.

The annual holiday block leave for military service personnel is underway at the San Antonio International Airport. More than 1,200 soldiers had the opportunity Saturday morning to go home for the holidays.

“For most soldiers, this is the first time they are going home. This is the first time their family and friends will see them as a soldier. They departed as a civilian,” said Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, US Army MEDCoE.

It’s a team effort to get these service men and women in and out of the airport over the next few days. Airport, military officials and the USO planned months ahead of time to make sure these soldiers get to their destination safely.