TUCSON, AZ. (KGUN) — Hundreds of soldiers are getting the opportunity to go home for the holidays.
Kendrick Bethea is one of those soldiers, and says he is excited to be able to spend time with his family for his son's first Christmas.
"When they gave me the news that I would be able to see them for the holidays, I was expecting to miss his first Christmas as well, so it's really exciting to be able to go home," Bethea explained.
The 111th Military Intelligence Brigade conducts Holiday Block Leave operations annually for soldiers on Fort Huachuca.
Devin McKenzie has been enlisted in the U.S. Army for almost a year now. The last time he saw his family was in July. On Saturday, he will be reunited with them in Minnesota.
"It's surreal. I can't wait to see my family and friends," McKenzie explained.
McKenzie and Bethea both explained that being in the military has taught them discipline and how to be a better leader.
"I used to think of myself as a follower," McKenzie said, "but now I know that's not true anymore. I can lead and put myself in those situations when I can."
“I've learned that I actually am a good leader and I used to be a lot more quieter so it taught me to speak up more," Bethea said.
As the soldiers entered the airport, they shook hands with LTC Juarez and BG Liesmann.
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Athena Kehoe is a reporter for KGUN 9, she joined the KGUN 9 team in July of 2024 after graduating from the Arizona State University. Share your story ideas with Athena by emailing athena.kehoe@kgun9.com or by connecting on X/Twitter.
