Holiday revelers make Piney Acres Farm, located in Fortville, IN, a traditional destination each year. The white pines and Douglas firs from the small Christmas tree farm find winter homes as far away as Indianapolis. Some trees find homes even further from the picturesque landscape, like Afghanistan.

The business is one of scores of tree farms across the nation that sends thousands of trees to military installations around the globe. The Trees for Troops program has been providing the essential feature for decorating dining facilities, USOs and recreation areas for years.

Rex Zenor, owner of the farm and employer of a deployed Soldier, said trees from as many as 10 different farms had been collected for Trees for Troops.

"This is our fifth year with Trees for Troops," said Zenor. "It's our way of paying back; it's something we can do."

According to Captain Greg Hembree of Greenfield, IN, the trees provide more than a visual reminder of home. For the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the fragrance is just as, maybe even more, important.

"There's just nothing like putting your face in a live tree and getting that big whiff of pine. That's home," said Hembree. 

The 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery, sent a crew of tree transporters this year to help shuttle the soon-to-be, far-flung conifers. And the troops had some extra help from local former UFC fighter Chris "Lights Out" Lytle, who is a neighbor and friend of Zenor.

Lytle said he wanted to be on hand to help, but spending times with troops was his reward. Troop visits were something he said he was fortunate to often do as a UFC fighter. Now retired, he hopes to continue to be even more available.

"I have a deep respect for what they do for us," said Lytle. "Anything I can do to help them ... I always want to be there."