SAN ANTONIO – Thousands of military service members went to the San Antonio International Airport to fly home for the holidays on Friday.
Military officials said that Holiday Block Leave took months of preparation and is a great way to help Airmen, Soldiers, and Sailors relax.
“Everyone here is really happy,” said Captain Matthew Duff with the U.S. Army. “We’re pushing out about 4,000 of our trainees for the Medical Center of Excellence to go home and rest, get some relaxation time with their families over the holidays.”
Duff said the military members will travel all across the country and globe to see their families for a day that took months of planning. For some, this holiday means a lot.
“I’m a little nervous and anxious because I’ve never been able to surprise my parents before; I’ve always had to plan ahead and let them know I’m coming,” Chief Master Sergeant Julia Andujar said.
Andujar said she has not been able to visit home for the holidays in the past nine years and is planning to surprise her loved ones at a coffee shop in New Mexico. She said this Christmas, she’s grateful for the people who have supported her.
“Without my parents and sister and other peers and friends throughout my career, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today,” Andujar said. “They’re all a blessing; I definitely couldn’t do this without all of them.”
Officials said this year is set to break records for travelers making their way through the San Antonio airport.
Tonya Hope, a spokesperson with the airport, is encouraging people to pack their patience.
“Today especially, the Friday before Christmas and the Friday after Christmas are our busiest travel times,” Hope said. “So if you’re used to coming through the airport, and you came through Thanksgiving and you thought it was busy, it’s even busier now.”
Travelers should arrive at their flights 2-3 hours early, depending on where they travel. There will be staff assisting cars to avoid traffic congestion in the passenger pickup lanes.
