A FAMILY had an emotional reunion after being separated for six months.

American USAF veteran Chad Carlson was forced to live the other side of the Atlantic Ocean to his wife Beverley and children Jacob, six, and two-year-old Florence.

Mr Carlson, 39, who was based at RAF Lakenheath for 11 years, had to return to the States last September on his military retirement orders after his £550 spouse application to the UK Border Agency in February last year was not processed in time.

After a difficult few months apart filled with heartache, the family decided to permanently relocate to America.

Mrs Carlson, 39, and her children flew out to Massachusetts last month to start a new chapter of their lives.

She said: “It was more than joyous to finally be reunited as a family after all the heartache and just in time for our third wedding anniversary.

“Since our arrival we have celebrated a belated Christmas and caught up with Chad’s family, most of whom had never met Florence nor seen Jacob since he was three.

“Thank heavens this nightmare is over and our new chapter can begin.”

Mrs Carlson, who stayed with her parents in Bury St Edmunds before moving into temporary accommodation at RAF Lakenheath, added: “The English accents are going down a treat and we have been busy unpacking and organising the house which is coming together extremely nicely, as well as preparing Jacob for his new school, Chatham Elementary.”