SUNRISE, Fla. – Christmas is a tough time for soldiers overseas, not to mention the families who miss them over the holidays.
Local 10 News aired their holiday greetings all afternoon long Thursday, but we took one soldier's message straight to his family in South Florida.
Local 10 News' Todd Tongen met the Duffus family with a holiday message from David Duffus, a staff sergeant serving his second tour in Afghanistan.
"This is Staff Sgt. David Duffus with the 455th E.O.S.S. at Bagram airfield Afghanistan. I would like to wish my wife, Chardone, and my daughter, Armani, along with family and friends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a Merry Christmas. I love you and miss you. See you soon," Duffus said.
The entire Duffus family clapped with joy at finally seeing him. He has been serving overseas for three months and he is less than halfway through his deployment.
It's an overseas tour that is especially hard on his wife and 3-year-old daughter.
"Yeah, it is a lot to deal with," said Chardone Duffus, who said the message meant everything to her. "It really does."
As she broke down in tears, 3-year-old Armani Duffus instantly tried to comfort her mother. The family said if it wasn't for Local 10 News sharing the video, they wouldn't get to see him this Christmas.
"This is a dream come true," said David Duffus' sister, Tashana Mckenzie. "He is not here, but he is always here in our hearts."
"We think about him everyday," said Sherry Rucker, the sergeant's aunt. "All the bombs exploding around him and we are hoping he stays safe."
"I pray every day for his safety and for his safe return," said Jeannie Duffus, his mother.
David Duffus' family said he is a proud family man who has a strong desire to serve his country.
"Apparently he loves his country very much because he just re-enlisted again, so he must love it," said Chardone Duffus, laughing.
Family members said they have packed up his presents and sent them to Afghanistan, so he will be opening them Thursday night. The biggest present of all is when he comes home sometime in May.