SOUTH DENNIS – The Daniels family of South Dennis had their Christmas wish come true early. Army Sgt. Thomas Daniels, 22, returned home just in the nick of time for Christmas.
On Dec. 18, after six months in Afghanistan, Daniels reunited with friends and family and celebrated his safe return.
Family and friends gathered at the family’s home to welcome the soldier and congratulate him on his recent promotion to sergeant in the Army.
Members of the Ocean View Volunteer Fire Company, of which Daniels has been a member since age 18, also joined the welcome-home festivities.
Hand shaking, hugs, and smiles filled the home uniting family and friends for the holidays.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak and Assemblyman Bruce Land (all D-1st), joined the homecoming by presenting a proclamation to Daniels to honor his service. Dennis Township Committeeman Donald Tozer also welcomed home the veteran shaking his hand and thanking him for his service.
Liz Barrett presented Daniels a hand-sewn quilt from the Quilts of Valor Association. The Quilts of Valor Organization handcrafted over 100 quilts in Southern New Jersey in the past year presenting each to a military veteran as a symbol of appreciation.
“It’s fantastic” Daniels exclaimed about making it home for the holidays. Daniels was not expected to make it home until February 2017, so to make it home for Christmas had the entire family in delight.
Despite some weather delays and arriving a day later than planned, his homecoming was filled with family, friends, and celebration.
Daniels will spend the next month in South Dennis visiting friends and family before he reports to Fort Collins, Colo. where he will serve the next three years of his military career.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
