As the holiday season approaches , many of us look forward to familiar traditions – gathering with loved ones , sharing festive meals and exchanging gifts . Yet for some , the holidays bring an entirely different reality .
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 15
As the holiday season approaches , many of us look forward to familiar traditions – gathering with loved ones , sharing festive meals and exchanging gifts . Yet for some , the holidays bring an entirely different reality .
This is the story of three veterans who found themselves serving overseas during the most celebrated time of the year . Through their reflections , we explore how the spirit of the holidays took shape in unfamiliar lands , highlighting moments of camaraderie , and the bittersweet essence of celebration in the face of adversity .
JESSE CARLSON :
Finding Holiday Spirit in Saudi Arabia
J esse Carlson , a 28-year-old mechanical engineering student , proudly serves in the Air National Guard . Hailing from Broken Arrow and Claremore , Carlson ' s fascination with the military sparked at a young age , ultimately leading him to enlist in 2017 . After completing several months of rigorous training , he returned to pursue his education at Oklahoma State University in May 2019 . With six years of dedicated service under his belt , Carlson found himself deployed to Saudi Arabia for four months where he encountered experiences that would shape his perspective on duty , sacrifice and the true meaning of camaraderie during the holiday season .
Separated from family and familiar traditions , he and his fellow service members made the most of their situation by coming together to celebrate the holiday as a unit . The atmosphere was filled with a sense of gratitude ,
Holiday celebrations helped Elliott Heyne , center , form stronger bonds during his deployment .
as everyone contributed to the festive meal , turning a military dining facility into a makeshift Thanksgiving dinner hall . This adaptation reflected their resilience and ability to create a sense of home in an unfamiliar environment .
Although the meal lacked his mother ’ s famous deviled eggs , Carlson fondly remembers the hearty spread , which included turkey and other festive dishes prepared by the military kitchen staff and served by the higher-ranking officers . The chow hall was adorned in traditional autumn colors , complete with colorful paper decorations and various table coverings that added a festive touch to the setting . Amid the celebration , Carlson took the opportunity to connect with his family back home , even jokingly sending “ dev-
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 15