SSG Thomas C. Teufel, a graduate of West Babylon High School, and a U.S. National Guardsman, was granted a 15-day Christmas leave from Iraq. His journey home started Dec. 15, from his base in Iraq on military standby flights and ended with a warm welcome from his family and friends at the airport when he landed at MacArthur Airport.

Thomas is the son of Stephanie and Donald Teufel of West Babylon.

The Air Force flew hundreds of military men and women on leave to Ireland to refuel and then to continue to Atlanta, Georgia. After several days of delay due to the heavy traveling time and weather, Teufel arrived in Atlanta about 10 a.m. on Dec. 21. His gift from the military is that his leave did not start until he arrived in the USA.

Teufel transferred to Delta Airlines to fly to Philadelphia so he could continue his trip on US Airways to fly home to Islip, MacArthur Airport. After more weather delays he finally arrived that evening at 6:30 p.m. He had a special reception from his family, friends and even strangers at the Islip Airport. A choir sang God Bless America and thanked Teufel for serving his country.

Teufel's wife Nicole and his two sons, Tyler, 5 and Zachary, 2, greeted him with hugs and kisses. Nicole told her sons they were going to the airport as Santa was bringing "a special delivery gift" just for them.

Teufel's mother and father, brother, brothers-inlaw, sisters, nieces and nephews, uncles and cousins were all at the airport, as Nicole's mother and father, grandmother, brother and niece. Several of Teufel's coworkers and another two dozen friends also showed up to welcome him home.

Teufel reported back this month to finish his tour of duty. He is expected home in June of this year.

Teufel is assigned to the National Guard Unit at Islip MacArthur Airport. He is a crew chief/door gunner for the Black Hawk's Helicopters and is assigned to B Co. 3/142 AVN AHB.