Airman returns from deployment, meets newborn

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Currier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A McConnell Airman met his 4-month-old son for the first time, Jan. 6, at Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, after arriving home from a six-month deployment.

Senior Airman Joshua Jackson's wife, Tiffany, was three-months pregnant, when he deployed from the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron here to Southwest Asia to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On Sept. 9, Mrs. Jackson delivered Kaden, who weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces and was 18.75 inches long at birth.

Four months later, Airman Jackson met him.

"I thought he was so small," Airman Jackson said. "He's a little stud. I'm glad I have some time off to get to know him."

Although it was difficult for Mrs. Jackson to be without her husband when Kaden was born, she did have some support. She's a Wichita native and her family lives in the local area.

"It was a lot easier since I have family here," the new mom said. "Plus, Josh was able to call. His unit was really supportive."

Mrs. Jackson also had support from her Air Force family, like the McConnell Key Spouses. They are a group of servicemembers' husbands and wives who support Team McConnell members when their loved ones are deployed.

"The key spouses program was really awesome," Mrs. Jackson said. "They checked up on me to see if I needed anything. My neighbors were great too. They were very supportive and helped get my family on and off base since we live in base housing."

Airman Jackson traveled for about 28 hours straight before being greeted by his family members and friends. His last flight was from Atlanta, Ga., to Wichita.

"That was the longest flight I've ever taken," he said.

The Jacksonville, N.C., native met his wife shortly after being stationed at McConnell four years ago, and the two have been married for a year now.

"Tiffany really held down the fort while I was gone," Airman Jackson said. "I'm glad to be home."