The Cubbage family's Christmas card was created with the help of Hero’s Angels.

There is no place like home for the holidays, but for many serving in the United States military “home” has to come to them — however they can get it.

“It’s interesting being away from home — especially for the holidays,” said Tech Sgt. Audra Cubbage, a Venengo Township resident and a member of the 991st Airlift Wing. “I’ve seen all the girls’ Christmas shows and everything through FaceTime. I had to watch them decorate the Christmas tree through FaceTime. Just, definitely, weird.”

Cubbage has been on stateside deployment since early October 2022. Her deployment is expected to end in April.

“It’s kind of been an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “I’m so close to home and yet so far away.”

Her family keeps in close contact with her though, despite the distance.

“She can call and FaceTime whenever she wants — there’s no restrictions with that, except for when she’s working,” her husband, Michael Cubbage said. “The girls FaceTime her whenever they’re sad.”