Thanksgiving came a little early for one Philadelphia family whose son will be deployed for the holidays.

Outside the Roccuzzo house on 12th Street in South Philadelphia, all the feelings of fall and patriotism are on full display.

Inside, the dining room was bustling as a turkey dinner with all the trimmings was on the table for one special guest who won't be able to be there in a few weeks.

Santino Roccuzzo, 26, enlisted in the Navy seven years ago, spending months and most holidays away on the USS Abraham Lincoln. He is home for a 10-day leave but is set to head out next week for another deployment that will extend into 2026.

"It's something bigger than myself, I feel like I had a bigger purpose," he said.

Military sacrifice runs in the family. Roccuzzo's dad, Joe, served four year

See Full Page