Photo courtesy of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
The first wave of passengers arrived soon after midnight.
That wave eventually turned into about 4,500 soldiers from Missouri's Fort Leonard Wood, a military base two hours southwest of St. Louis, who passed through Lambert–St. Louis International Airport and headed home for the holidays early this morning.
This exodus happens every December, when soldiers from the military base begin their two-week holiday block leave. This year, the USO of Missouri helped make the experience festive for the soldiers, and many other organizations donated food and drink.
"We're in the midst of the holiday season, when we see these soldiers come through. It's great to see them happy and encouraged that they're getting ready to go home and see loved ones," says airport spokesperson Jeff Lea. "Our other passengers also had smiles on their faces, seeing the soldiers come through."
It was documented this morning on social media.
