A Warm Christmas Welcome for Two Military Men

On Wednesday there was a Christmas surprise for two military men as they flew into San Luis Obispo for the holiday.

It all started with lot of anticipation in the morning, leading up to the welcome.

Moms and dads waited by the gate and a group of people from ‘Welcome Home Military Heroes,’ practiced the perfect ‘welcome’ yell.

There were hugs, smiles, and a lot of joy at the San Luis Obispo airport.

Santa Claus was there too, taking timeto welcome heroes.

Military dad, Scott Starkey, said, “it’s been a while since we’ve seen Hayden.”

Hayden flew in from Bremerton Washington.

On that same flight, there was another military man, Gabriel Watton, an army medicstationed at Fort Carson Colorado.

Gabriel Watton said, “It’s going to be great it doesn’t happen all that often.”

For the first time in a long time, Gabriel’s father, Bill Watton, said “We’re going to have all the kids home for Christmas.”

Both men have served overseas.

Hayden Starkey said, “It’s just nice to get home and be with family, take a break and relax.”

Gabriel Watton said, “I’ve been deployed for a few of them (Christmas’) so it’s going to be pretty cool.”

Both families were overwhelmed with the welcome, and thanked community members for showing up at the airport for the warm welcome.