Senior Airman Duane Gordon, of Freeport, says he?s been stationed overseas a little longer than he would like and is thrilled to be spending his first Christmas home in years.

Gordon says he?s missed all the good food that comes with a Christmas at home for the past three years he?s been deployed.

Mom Brenda Triplett says it was very difficult watching her son walk out the door, not knowing when, or if, he would be back. She says it means the world to have him home for the holiday since he missed a lot of family events over the past year.

Family members say they can see how much Gordon has grown up from his time overseas. Gordon says he will finish his tour of duty in the spring and return to college next fall.