BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Sgt. 1st Class Audra Wynn, A Company, 426th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division truck master, and Master Sgt. Lemuel Wynn, Headquarters Support Company, 96th Aviation Support Battalion operations non-commissioned officer in charge, have been married for 16 years and have been through many deployments together.
Being a dual-military couple, deployments can make having a family difficult. The Wynns have been successful at juggling raising three sons, ages 14, 21 and 23, and two successful military careers.
"It's hard being away," said Lemuel. "It's especially hard for a boy to not have his father there for the holidays."
This year the Wynns spent Christmas together at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, with each other. This was only their second deployment where Audra and Lemuel were able to spend Christmas together. Even being a short plane or helicopter ride away, seeing each other is difficult.
"I talked to my chain of command," said Audra. "This is my last chance to see him before he goes home."
For Audra and Lemuel, the plan for Christmas was simple. Be together and be there when their youngest opens his gifts. The simple joy of being present for traditions is important.
"It's harder for him this time around since his older brother is off at college," said Audra. "Talking to him every day keeps him going. We also get to share the joy of him opening his gifts."
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