“ I take a deeper joy in putting up the Christmas tree with my kids now ,” he says , a sentiment that underscores his newfound appreciation for family .
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“ I take a deeper joy in putting up the Christmas tree with my kids now ,” he says , a sentiment that underscores his newfound appreciation for family .
Returning home from deployment , Haught ’ s outlook on family gatherings and holiday traditions transformed . After missing his daughter ’ s first birthday , he realized the value of being present .
“ I take a deeper joy in putting up the Christmas tree with my kids now ,” he says , a sentiment that underscores his newfound appreciation for family . Haught ’ s holiday spirit shines brightly through his whimsical traditions : He dons a Santa hat while wrapping gifts , ensures that there ’ s always a train circling the Christmas tree , and insists on enjoying eggnog every December . These small rituals are his way of reclaiming the joyous moments he was deprived of during his years of service .
Haught also offers poignant advice to current service members facing the prospect of spending holidays away from home .
“ Take pictures of your loved ones ,” he suggests , emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with family through memories . However , Haught is quick to remind us that the sacrifices extend beyond the service members themselves . “ People often forget about the families they leave behind ,” he said , acknowledging the emotional burden carried by spouses and children left at home . His wife , Soniya , is a testament to this sacrifice , managing the challenges of raising a family while Haught was deployed .
Ultimately , Haught ' s story is one of resilience , joy , and a deep appreciation for the simple moments that define family life . Through his experiences , he embodies the duality of military service : the bittersweet nature of being away during holidays juxtaposed with the profound joy of being home again , where laughter , love and holiday traditions flourish . As Haught continues to navigate life as a veteran , he holds close the memories of both the challenges he faced and the warmth of family that welcomes him home each holiday season .
ELLIOTT HEYNE :
Embracing Cultural Connections
B
orn in north Tulsa , Kenneth Elliott Ambrose Heyne — though he prefers simply Heyne knows that the distinction between North Tulsa and the rest of the city is significant . “ If you know , you know ,” he quips , revealing an intrinsic understanding of his roots that runs deeper than geography .
He spent his early childhood moving around various neighborhoods in Tulsa , but at eight , life took a turn when his mother remarried and moved the family to Edmond . Each change was a chapter in a story marked by the complexities of family dynamics and resilience .
His path to the military was unexpectedly intertwined with memories of John Moyer , his mother ' s boyfriend during his formative years . A Marine who served in Vietnam , Moyer represented stability in an otherwise tumultuous life .
“ He had this nice house in Brookside , and I remember being so impressed by him ,” Heyne reminisces . “ He got his education on the GI Bill and was so successful . It made a big impression on me .”
The seeds of Heyne ' s military aspirations were sown during the culturally rich 1980s , amid the influence of GI Joe action figures and films like Top Gun and Platoon . The allure of honor and respect associated with military service resonated deeply within him . “ I had this fantasy of being a soldier ,” he recalls .
Heyne ' s decision to join the Oklahoma Army National Guard at 17 was strategic .
His military journey began with his first deployment at just 20 years old , stationed in an isolated area with minimal contact with the outside world . After turning 21 in a foreign land , Heyne faced a sudden transition when he was called home for emergency leave . Later , just before Thanksgiving , he was deployed to Afghanistan , stepping into a critical role : training the Afghan National Auxiliary Police . This responsibility allowed him not only to impart knowledge but also to immerse himself in the local culture and navigate the complexities of law enforcement in a nation facing tremendous challenges . He confronted the stark realities of attempting to protect children from human trafficking — a mission fraught with danger and moral dilemmas . Thanksgiving in Kandahar was a profound experience for Heyne .
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