BUNA, Texas — One Southeast Texas family will be spending their Thanksgiving without their loved one, for a good reason.
U.S. Sailor Mattie Everett is half a world away, spending her Thanksgiving at the port in Busan, South Korea on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson. Mattie has been participating in the Japan maritime self-defense force annual exercise.
Mattie's mother, Jessica Everett couldn't be any prouder of her daughter as she follows in her footsteps. While Mattie is continuing to work with U.S. carrier strike group one, her family is giving thanks to their very own hometown hero.
"We're going to have a small Thanksgiving. My mom, his parents and the kiddos and their friends," said Jessica.
Jessica is not the average mother of five. She was in the military for 20 years.
"I was human resources for about 12 years, and then I spent my last eight years as a first sergeant in a special forces squadron. It was a lot of fun!" she said.
Jessica never imagined that her oldest daughter would one day be raising her right hand to answer the call.
"She's at her first base. She's only been in, nearing three years. She's stationed at Lemoore, California," Jessica said.
Mattie has had an interesting journey to becoming a sailor in the Navy.
"She went from wanting to do cosmetology to working on f-18's." Jessica said. "I was like, 'if that's what you want, go for it, girl!'"
Mattie spends her time in the Navy launching, landing and refueling f-18s on the U.S.S. Vinson. This year she's enjoying a Korean Thanksgiving.
"She left a void here, that's for sure. But when we got a phone call from her last night and she was so excited about being in Korea and tasting the food and everything, it really improved everybody's morale about her having to be in Korea on Thanksgiving," said Jessica.
Mattie and her younger sister, Ashlynn remain inseparable even on opposite sides of the world.
"We used to bake a lot together. Yes, we love baking," said Ashlynn. "I am very proud because I know it's very nerve-wracking. And it's very scary."
The Everett family's pride for Mattie doesn't stop there.
"She's been doing great. Got a lot of awards and everything so she's really excelling. So I couldn't be more proud," Jessica told 12News.
12News would like to wish all servicemembers who are on duty for the holidays a very happy Thanksgiving.