SWFL service members return home for the holidays

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Several service members from different military branches were greeted with American flags and homemade welcome signs Friday morning at Southwest Florida International Airport.

The 15 service members will be able to spend the holidays with their families for the first time in a while.

Air Force Technical Sgt. Christopher Dyer embraced his son Landon, whom he hasn’t seen since he was deployed to Korea last December. Landon was only seven weeks old at the time.

“There was a lot of video chats going on, but you still feel like you are missing everything,” Dyer said. “I’m glad I am home for this Christmas, it’s going to be fun this year.”

Marie Villasuso-Combs, whose son is in the Army, said the feelings she experienced seeing him were indescribable.

“I can’t express the emotions, as a mom, I feel seeing your son,” she said. “There are no words to describe the love.”

Veteran Ed Dyer, Christopher Dyer’s father, said he’s proud of his sons and other service members.

“I’ve very proud of both of them and the kids who have chosen my work, especially in today’s world,” he said. “After 30 years of active duty of my own, to see service members get reunited with their families is very special.”