Military families know all too well the feeling of not having their loved ones home for the holidays, but for one local family, their Thanksgiving wish was granted when their son surprised them with a trip home for Thanksgiving.

Cameron Cox with the U.S. Air Force arrived in Grand Junction around noon on Thanksgiving day. Over in Delta his family patiently waited for his arrival.

"We don't get to see him much since he's joined the Air Force, so it's always great to have him home," says Kelly Cox, father of Cameron Cox.

For Cameron this Thanksgiving is very special.

"This is my last Thanksgiving before I deploy, so it's really nice to be able to see my family before I disappear to the desert for about eight months," says Cameron Cox.

The family says they want to keep it simple and just spend some quality time together before their son heads overseas.

"We'll probably play some cards and eat some homemade ice cream," says Kelly Cox.

Cameron deploys in about a month and will be shipped out to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"it's kind of exciting the fact that you actually get to contribute and do something useful," says Cameron Cox.

He says he can't help but be a little nervous, but he's confident his training and his support system will get him through the tough times ahead.

"I'm extraordinary thankful for the support of my family and working with the greatest people on earth. My best friends are a part of the Air Force now," says Cox.

And although Cameron is saying good bye to his family soon, he's certain he'll be back to carve the turkey next year.

"Well, I'll see them again, God willing," says Cox.