Airman unites with daughter on CNN for Christmas

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- During a surprise live telephone interview on national television for his daughter, Senior Master Sgt. Sidney McIntosh, 451st Expeditionary Mission Support Group Manpower Superintendent, wishes Sydney McIntosh a Merry Christmas on CNN News Dec. 25 as his wife, Michelle McIntosh, stands by her side. Sydney is an Associate Producer for the CNN Newsroom show anchored by Tony Harris. (Courtesy photo)

Airman unites with daughter on CNN for Christmas

Published Dec. 30, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
451st AEW Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- On Christmas day an Airman from the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing surprised his daughter with a holiday message during a live telephone interview on national television.

Senior Master Sgt. Sidney McIntosh, 451st Expeditionary Mission Support Group Manpower Superintendent, wished his daughter, Sydney McIntosh, a Merry Christmas on CNN News Dec. 25. Sydney is an Associate Producer for the CNN Newsroom show anchored by Tony Harris.

His wife, Michelle McIntosh, who worked with members of the CNN staff to set up the surprise, stood by her daughter in the studio during the interview.

"It's (Sydney's) job to put these types of shows together so they found away to work this interview in without her knowing," said Sergeant McIntosh. "Syd cried the whole time."

Sergeant McIntosh said he, too, was overwhelmed with emotions. Although he's been deployed to this area of responsibility before, this was his first Christmas away from his family.

As Mr. Harris asked Sergeant McIntosh a few questions on what Christmas is like at Kandahar, Afghanistan, a collection of photos showing both father and daughter cycled through on screen. The show aired at approximately 9:05p.m. (11:35a.m. EST) Christmas day. The video can be found on CNN's official Web site.