by James Coulter
She served in the Air Force. He served in the Marines. Since then, they’ve married, raised children, and served their hometown as business owners, community volunteers, and even elected officials.
Billie and Michael Hutto both live in Frostproof. They have raised seven children together, one of whom has grown up to follow in their footsteps and join the military.
Previously the owner of P&J Recreation in Frostproof, Billie sold the family business last December and now spends her time serving as her father’s caregiver.
Mike, on the other hand, currently works as a realtor with Keystone Realty. He was recently re-elected for another three-year term on the Frostproof City Council, where he had been appointed as the mayor.
Billie joined the U.S. Air Force in 1998 and was stationed atTyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, where she served as a contracting officer. Before that, she had worked as a state-certified corrections officer after graduating from college.
Her assistant warden influenced her to join the Air Force. She was told that the military branch offered a “much better atmosphere” with the opportunity to visit more places. As someone who wanted to see the world and pursue her education, she felt it was the right fit for her.
“It took me many places with many opportunities and afforded me the option that I always wanted to pursue my education,” she said.
Her time in the military not only allowed her to visit many countries like England, but also complete her associate’s, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree.
Mike, on the other hand, was a wayward soul without a sense of direction. Seeking structure and discipline in his life, he was inspired by his best friend’s father to join the U.S. Marines.
“Needing some structure and discipline and harder guidance, breaking you down to build you back up, I felt like that was more of what I needed, and that was the reason I chose the Marine Corps.”
He was enlisted as an air traffic control trainee stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina. He made several appearances at Pensacola Naval Air Station, and received several accommodations and recognitions for inclement weather, landings, and non-radar landings.
Since leaving the military, both have married, raised a family of seven children, and have served their community as business owners and, in Mike’s case, as elected officials.
Billie and Mike Hutto recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss their military experience and how it shaped them into the individuals that they are today. Listen to the full podcast on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-61-honoring-our-veterans-wbillie-michael-hutto
