Soldier Has 1st Christmas At Home In 3 Years

This Christmas was a little more special than most for a couple from Okmulgee. It's the first time in three years that Hector Benavides has spent the holiday with his wife, Ilene. Hector is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, and just finished a 14 month deployment in Baghdad. He says the time he spent in Iraq has given him a new appreciation for life here at home.

"It's an eye opener. I'm glad I did it. It's just a long time. And, it really makes you take another view of all we got here. And, I hope that someday all our work pays off and they get the luxury of having all that, as well," said Staff Sergeant Hector Benavides.

Hector says his wife made his time away from home bearable by constantly sending him letters and packages. He says she even sent Christmas goodies for the men in his squad.