A typical afternoon turned into a big celebration for a Ridgeland second grader. Ann Smith Elementary School student Ashton Shelton and his father received a surprise homecoming from a very special lady.
Mississippi Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Jerome Shelton read to his son Ashton's second grade class Friday afternoon. After the story, the inquisitive students wanted to learn more about the planes Staff Sergeant Shelton works with as a Fuels Technician for the 172nd Airlift Wing. Shortly after the show and tell Ashton received a big surprise. He saw his mom face to face for the first time in six months.
Mississippi Air National Guard Technical Sergeant Tangela Wrenn Shelton wasn't expected to return home from serving in Southwest Asia until next week. As you can imagine, she's happy and relieved to be back with her family.
"It is wonderful the last six months I've been on deployment overseas helping with Operation Enduring Freedom and it's wonderful to be home," said Technical Sergeant Shelton.
Ashton said he was completely stunned to see his mom walk into his class.
"I was feeling really happy and I was really surprised that she came," said Ashton.
In addition to seeing one another for the first time in months the Shelton's have another occasion to celebrate.
"Yesterday was our 7th year wedding anniversary, April 19th and I thought finding out that he would be here would be a special way to celebrate our anniversary since I wasn't actually here on our anniversary," said Technical Sergeant Shelton.
Staff Sergeant Shelton was also surprised to see his wife. He said he's "relieved, just overly excited and I'm just glad the Lord took care of her."
Ashton's class wrote thank you notes to Mrs. Shelton. Now that she's home, Ashton says he wants to do simple things like watch a movie with his mom.
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
