Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Marguerita Volts, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron superintendent command and support staff, holds a picture of her three daughters at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 13, 2018. Volts has served almost 20 years, and out of those, this is her fourth year away from her children during the holidays. She said this has been the hardest holiday season apart because her youngest daughter is more aware that Volts is away during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victoria Peterson, 39th Security Forces Squadron member, holds a picture of her family at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2018. Peterson says that her favorite memory of the holidays was having a big family breakfast, where her father would make French toast. This is a tradition she plans to continue during the holidays with her husband. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Phillip Magana, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron hazardous materials journeyman, holds a picture of her family at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 18, 2018. Magana said the things he will miss most this year during the holidays is his family and the food. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dylan Arnold, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron preventative maintenance technician, poses with a picture of his family at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 19, 2018. Arnold says his main holiday tradition is to have people come over and make snacks on Christmas Eve, which started when he was a kid and transformed after him and his wife adopted the military lifestyle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Dennis, 39th Security Forces Squadron Alpha Flight chief, holds a picture of his wife and two daughters at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 19, 2018. The Dennis family begins their holidays by opening one present the night of Christmas Eve, then opens the rest of the presents Christmas morning, followed by a big breakfast. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kyle Johnson, 39th Security Forces Squadron alpha flight sergeant, holds family photos at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 19, 2018. Johnson said that every Christmas morning, his family open presents before they go out for a nice lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kurtis Harrison, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor, holds family photos at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 19, 2018. Kurtis said one of the things he will miss most this holiday season is waking up Christmas morning in his pajamas to watch his family open their gifts. His two kids help their Yah Yah hand out all the gifts and then everyone takes turns tearing them open. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

Away for the Holidays

Published Dec. 22, 2018
By Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --

U.S. Air Force members talk about the traditions they have during the holidays and what they will miss the most being away from home.