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Soldier Dad Doesn't Want to Leave

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

Story Created: Nov 30, 2008 at 2:01 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2008 at 6:27 PM CST

MARION - It's been a long week...even longer for an area soldier.

"Soldiers cry too I guess, or I do anyways," said SPC Jonathon Albert.

This veteran of Afghanistan has a new battle...to look over his little daughter. It won't be easy where he's going.

"I just don't want to miss the little things," said Albert.

Just more than a year ago Taliban insurgents shot and wounded this soldier-dad. Since then, he's been recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.

On Monday, he has to leave his family in Iowa and return there to finish his discharge papers. He won't come back home until Christmas.

These short trips home are nothing new, most of his fiancee's pregnancy, he was in D.C., recovering.

"Usually getting away and going back is kinda nice, getting a break from the family. But this time it's going to suck, this time I don't want to go," said Albert.

He had to get special leave to come home for the birth. Then he had to get even more time because Abagayle hadn't arrived yet.

His fiancee Michelle Ehr will keep Abagayle back here in Iowa. They'll stay connected through phone calls and a webcam.

Ehr said it's not easy.

"I don't know, just stay strong I guess. If you love somebody you'll wait," said Ehr.

Both new parents are hoping that wait goes as fast as possible.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

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