Christmas brings yearning for home into sharper focus for young soldiers

Pfc. Tabitha Robinson, of the 369th Signal Battalion, couldn't wait to get home to North Carolina and homemade sweet potato pie. Pvt. Rosemary Bedgood was excited to be heading home to San Diego, where her family was waiting on her to decorate the Christmas tree.

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More than 6,000 Fort Gordon soldiers headed to various parts of the United States on Dec. 16-17, with many showing there must be truth to the lyrics of the song There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays.

"On Christmas Eve, we all get together," said Pfc. Derek Matthews, who traveled to Boston for the holidays.

Pvt. Andrew Sunderland will spend his holidays in Oregon.

"I'm looking forward to seeing my wife and kids open presents on Christmas morning," Sunderland said.

Pvt. Toyana Davis was excited about getting to see her friends.

"I want to show my friends they can do anything if they just put their mind to it," said Davis, who calls Albermarle, N.C., home.

Soldiers departed by planes, buses and automobiles.

Families could pick up soldiers at four places Dec. 17. For the soldiers who left Augusta by plane, the Signal Corps Band provided them with a musical send-off.