Soldier celebrates Thanksgiving at home

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) – Many families are saying thanks this holiday season, but one local Bristol family has a lot to be thankful for.

The Wagoner family is celebrating their son Lt. Phillip Wagoner's safe return home after a year long deployment in Afghanistan.

Lt. Wagoner is one of many soldiers in the 143rd division of the Rhode Island Nation guard who returned to Rhode Island last Friday just in time for the holidays.

Phillip’s mother Mary said she would tie a ribbon on the fence in front of her house every day in hope for her son’s safe return home.

Mary says she is mindful of other families who are still missing their children, and hopes that they will be able to return home safely to their families.