For Mosgiel resident Ken Hall, having his son brought back from the war in Afghanistan to spend Christmas with his family yesterday was one of the greatest gifts he can recall receiving.
The 69-year-old was diagnosed with terminal cancer two weeks ago.
When the news was delivered to his son, Royal New Zealand Air Force Squadron Leader Stephen Hall, the New Zealand Defence Force pulled out all the stops to get him home in time for Christmas dinner.
Sqn Ldr Hall said he received the news about his father last Friday while working in Bamyan with the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
''As soon as I found out, I knew I needed to come home.''
With a little help from a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter, a Royal Air Force C-130 and a Royal Australian Air Force C-130, he flew from Bamyan to Dubai, via Kandahar.
''Getting to Dubai was fine. But all the snow in the United Kingdom messed up the flights. They were all full and I thought I might not make it back in time.''
After sitting in Dubai for two days, a flight became available and he was in the air again - this time on a civilian aircraft with in-flight meals and entertainment.
Once he arrived in Auckland, it was a short hop and a skip through Christchurch to Dunedin, where his wife Bridget, two children Sara (7) and Matthew (11), mother Glenyce and Ken were waiting.
Sqn Ldr Hall said it was the first time in five years he had spent Christmas with family in Mosgiel.
''There were mixed emotions when I arrived home.
''I was prepped to be away for Christmas, and I was happy to be having Christmas with my team.
''But it's nice to be home, even if the circumstances are not the best.''
He was uncertain how long he would be home.
He would meet his father's oncologist next week and a decision would be made then, he said.
Mr Hall said he was delighted to spend the festive season with his son.
''It's marvellous - a lovely Christmas present.
''I'm most impressed with the New Zealand Army for getting him home in time.''
