Soldier Surprises Wife In Labor At St. Joseph Medical Center

TOWSON, MD — The labor and delivery staff at St. Joseph Medical Center usually celebrate the arrival of little ones. This week they also gave a hero's welcome to a soldier who was able to come home from out of state for his son's birth.

"I prayed and prayed that’d I’d be here on time," said Private 2nd Class Tyrell Hicks, who was saluted by the employees at the hospital with an "honor walk" in the hallway.

He surprised his wife, Alanna, who thought he would be training in the Ozarks while she was in labor, since he is stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

"He made my day," she said, in an interview provided by the hospital, since he told her he was not going to be home for another two months.

The soldier thanked his drill sergeant, troops and pilot for helping him to be there for the event in Towson, after he obtained leave. His wife went into labor earlier than he anticipated, and he said multiple people helped him get to the hospital in time for the baby's birth.

“It’s a blessing to be here,” Hicks said.

His son, Kannon, arrived at the hospital at 1:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22.

Kannon is 9 pounds, 6 ounces, and he is the third child for the couple.