On Sunday, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport welcomed the first of two winners in its “Home for the Holidays” contest.
Sgt. 1st Class Gary Gilbert arrived home from Korea Sunday afternoon on Delta Flight 5294 to be with his wife, Amanda, and their one-year-old son Landon. He received orders to Korea three weeks after Landon was born.
Midday Monday after several delays, Sgt. Joshua Arfsten arrived home from Germany to be with his mother, Barbara. Sgt. Arfsten has served in the military for almost 15 years and has not spent Christmas with his mother in 12 years.
The contest was held to bring two active duty service members home to the Savannah/Hilton Head area to spend the holidays with their families. A total of 26 entries were received and a committee comprised of veterans and local community members selected the winning entries.
“Savannah/Hilton Head International would like to thank the 165th Airlift Wing Veteran’s Association and Nash FM 96.5 for their incredible support and assistance in putting together this contest,” said Candace Carpenter, airport marketing manager.
The airline tickets were awarded to the contest winners by the 165th Airlift Wing Veteran’s Association, which is a local non-profit organization.
Special welcome greetings for both service members and their families took place at the airport in Savannah Square on the ticketing level of the main terminal building.