After deployment TSgt Hutto meets his new addition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tech. Sgt. Shannon Hutto, 6th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, was greeted by his family after a seven-month deployment in Kuwait, July 21, 2015 at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida.

This was the first time he was able to meet his daughter, Addelyn, who is now six months old. As a result of technological advancements, he was able to attend the remainder of appointments, witness the birth, and communicate with her via FaceTime.

"All of those feelings of nervousness, anxiety and fear that I had when I finally got my orders to return home went away when I saw my wife's and daughters' beautiful faces," expressed Shannon. "I had tears of joy and words can't describe the feeling I had holding her [Addelyn] for the first time."

Hutto and his wife, Senior Airman Melanie Hutto, were newlyweds and looking forward to expanding their family together. Nevertheless, duty called and for the Hutto family that meant Shannon would deploy two weeks before the birth of his third daughter.

"Part of the responsibilities of being a security forces member is to defend the base and deploy to fight," stated Shannon. "Since joining the Air Force, I have been well versed in this lifestyle, just like every other Airman, Marine, sailor and soldier."

This would be Shannon's third deployment, so he is accustomed to missing birthdays, holidays, and quality time with family, but this deployment was different.

Shannon has now missed the birth of Addelyn, which was a new sacrifice for him.

"Although I could not be there physically with my wife during her labor, my deployment commander, Maj. Sarah Isabel, and first sergeant, Master Sgt. Keith Lund, created an atmosphere where I could FaceTime the whole labor experience without interruptions," expressed Shannon. "The experience was not the same. I was envious of those who were in the room with my wife."

Melanie ran and jumped into his arms as soon as she and Shannon locked eyes. She then escorted him to meet Addelyn. Addelyn's first glimpse of her dad caused her face to light up and she smiled from ear-to-ear. The moment Shannon had been waiting for had finally arrived; to kiss Addelyn for the first time.

For Shannon, the deployment could not have ended soon enough. Now that the Hutto family has been reunited, Shannon looks forward to making his own memories, in person, with his new baby girl.