Homecoming: Chaplain deploys, comes back to newborn child

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When a service member comes home, they are usually greeted by their family, friends and loved ones, but Capt. Shane Moore, 82nd Training Wing chaplain, found himself being greeted by the tiny hands of his new baby.

The chaplain received news of his newborn daughter, Kayleigh, while he was deployed to Al Udeid, Qatar, serving his country, far away from home.

Despite the distance between Moore and his family, the revelation was emotionally charged.

"It can be a change, but for us, it's a very welcomed change," he said.

Moore's situation enabled him to better connect with service members who sought him out for spiritual support and advice.

"It was difficult, but we knew that I'd possibly be gone when Kayleigh was born due to deployment," he said. "From an emotional standpoint, it helped that I could identify with Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines that experience childbirth while on deployment."

Moore looks forward to taking on his role as a parent with a sense of enthusiasm.

"Being able to spend time with family and reconnect has been amazing," he said.

Moore draws strength from the support he has received from his Air Force family.

"Fatherhood gives me a new perspective on counseling," he said. "I'm not only counseling and caring for Airmen, I'm helping someone's son or daughter. I'd pray someone would do the same for my two children."

As the chaplain prepares to serve his community stateside, he now has another pillar of support in the form of fatherhood.