Home for the holidays: Volunteers feed thousands of soldiers at Charlotte Douglas

But, dozens of volunteers were on hand to make the trip a little easier -- and tastier.

WSOC spoke with soldiers from all over -- Maryland, Idaho, Hawaii -- many of them returning to their families after completing 10 weeks of basic training.

Most of them have been up for 24 hours in order to catch their flights and were greeted with gift bags with items like blankets and snacks to make their flight more comfortable.

The soldiers were also treated to a big breakfast, complete with Bojangles and Panera.

The airport planned to feed 4,500 soldiers.