Troops return home for holidays, travel through Charlotte | News

The Army's largest training installation is sending about 8,500 soldiers home for the holidays. 2,500 troops from Fort Jackson, South Carolina are traveling through Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Thursday morning. Other troops are leaving on buses, trains and private vehicles.

The USO is helping the troops with everything from airline check-in, security and offering a "home away from home" as they make their way home to family and loved ones.  

Those who are in the midst of the 10 weeks of basic training, as well as the advanced individual training courses, are getting about two weeks off. The soldiers are to return on January 4.

 

Approximately 200 soldiers stay on Fort Jackson through the holiday period.  A special battalion is established to ensure the soldiers are cared for and enjoy the holidays with entertainment and specialty foods.