As the war on terrorism stretches on, military families are getting used to long, overseas deployments. That means moms and dads are not always home for the holidays. Today is six months after Christmas, so the Armed Services YMCA threw a belated party.
On Christmas Day 2006, Navy Sailor Jim Sade was somewhere in the Persian Gulf. His crew had been chasing pirates off the coast of Somalia for 45 days straight.
Meanwhile Sade's, son Branden, was back at home with his mom.
There are so many stories like this. Technology keeps families connected, but it's hard to recreate the real experience. So volunteers at the Armed Services YMCA tried to recreate Christmas today. They brought live Christmas trees, gingerbread and a snowman.
Paul Steffens is the charity's executive director.
Steffens says the Armed Services YMCA offers more than 40 programs for military families -- all free, all confidential. They hope to make "The Christmas You Missed" an annual tradition.
There were also presents today. All the service members got complimentary Padres tickets for the 4th of July. Jim Sade will be overseas on that day, so Branden and Mom will have to go without him.
