Earlier this month the families of the soldiers of the 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron joined together to celebrate Christmas.

“People are reaching out to make that connection, to bond with people who are going through the same thing,” said Deborah Kelley, Family Assistance Center specialist for the 108th Calvary.

The Calvary is currently stationed in Afghanistan, but their families are here, spread throughout Northwest Georgia, waiting for their families to once again be whole.

More than 700 people showed up to celebrate Christmas with the 108th on Saturday; event planners initially only expected 350 to 450 people. This group represented the family of five separate National Guard units from around the state.

“If we could get this many people together all the time, I think it would be good for all of us,” said Kathy Hendrix. Hendrix’s husband, Harley, is currently serving in Afghanistan.

“This is definitely a huge success,” Kelley said. “It would make the soldiers glad to know so many families are here to mingle.”

Many of the families present took the time to greet their soldiers.