Retired veterans remember holidays spent away from family

Years ago, one of my co-workers from Dukane Corporation gave a presentation to the Batavia Women's Club about being away from home at Christmas during World War II. He even showed some of the reminders of home his mother had sent him at Christmas.

When he took out a small 6-inch pine tree, he was overwhelmed with emotion. That tiny tree took him right back to being stationed overseas, missing his family during a holiday that is known for family celebrations.

John Faust of The Holmstad, a retirement community in Batavia, was 17 when he and his buddies entered the service during World War II. His first assignment was protecting the Douglas Aircraft plant in Santa Monica, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Then his unit was sent to Cold Bay, Alaska, where there was no mail. Assignments in England and Germany completed his time in service.

"During World War II, there was no way to communicate with phone calls or video," said John Faust. "Everything was done through V-mail and it was censored."

His mom often sent letters as did his girlfriend.

"At least until I got a 'Dear John' letter in 1943 telling me she was breaking up with me," he said.

In 1944, his unit was getting ready to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. He didn't really think about Christmas at all that year.

Ed Leonard of Geneva Place, a retirement community in Geneva, was drafted in 1961 and chose to enter the Missouri National Guard. He felt it was more difficult to be away from home on Thanksgiving because that was a big family gathering at his grandparents' house.

"Twice a month I would get a letter or a package from my fiancee and from my mom," Leonard said. "I really appreciated hearing from them."

After medic training, he was sent to Europe.

"I recall one Christmas," he said. "I was in Germany, visiting a patient in the hospital who had been wounded and was in a full body cast. I looked across the room and there are three other people visiting this man. To my surprise, one was my cousin. I knew she had gotten married and was living in Germany. She invited me to her home for Christmas. That was really great."

Today, we have cellphones and FaceTime to talk with people from all around the world. In the armed forces you can't use Skype. It has to be a secure connection.

"Our son, Luke, was 23 in 2015 during his rotation to Korea," said Joy Ganster of Batavia. "Luke enjoyed getting the mini tree and lights that I sent, and we were able to see his officers' quarters decorated via a video chat. He was most excited about the 'Star Wars' Christmas sweater I sent that he wore to an event on post in Korea during the Christmas holiday season."

Luke is now a 1st Lieutenant in the Engineering Division, deployed to the Middle East, living in a tent in the desert. Communication is limited moving forward.

"This Christmas, since his living conditions are sparse, I'm just sending things he needs like shaving items and snacks," said Ganster.

The Gansters' daughter Sarah is a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery. She is stationed at Fort Campbell in Tennessee. This Christmas she will be enjoying a honeymoon with her new husband.

The Gansters have the tradition that every year each child receives one or two ornaments symbolizing something special from that year to put on the tree.

"This year Luke's fiancee will be putting his ornaments on the tree when she comes for a visit," said Ganster. "And we will decorate our mantel with Luke's flag from the White House, commemorating his West Point graduation, surrounded by Christmas items."

Joy Ganster is used to her kids being away from home for holidays and takes it all in stride.

"It is a privilege to be the mother to two soldiers and we are very proud of their commitment to the U.S. and the military," said Ganster. "We raised our children to think of others and they do."

Undoubtedly, the Gansters learned from their parents' example. The Gansters volunteer with Operation Support Our Troops - America in Naperville, one of the largest volunteer military support groups in the country.

We often remember to thank our troops for the sacrifices that they make to protect our freedoms. It's important to remember to thank their families as well.