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Today's news, Aug. 21. 2008: Soldier returns home to welcome newborn son

Army Specialist Juan Leon, is shown with his wife Lorraine-Leon and his son Nicholas Francisco.

Soldier returns home to welcome newborn son

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center was where the happy reunion took place between mom, Lorraine, new baby, Nicholas and dad, Army Specialist Juan Leon of East Massapequa.  Lorraine Leon of Amityville, who had experienced a difficult and life-threatening pregnancy, delivered 4-pound, 5-ounce, Nicholas, six weeks early on August 14, at Good Samaritan. Unfortunately, Army Spec. Leon was still serving at his post in Kabul when the baby was born. Leon, a member of the Bay Shore–based Fighting 69th Infantry Battalion of New York’s National Guard was originally not allowed to take emergency leave to be with his wife. That all changed with help from the nursing staff at Good Samaritan, The Red Cross, Congressman, Peter King and Congressman, Steve Israel. Pat Cordes, Lorraine’s care manager at Good Samaritan, continued to call the Red Cross and to report both Lorraine’s and baby Nicholas’ condition. “I believe it was the call that Pat made, that made that brought Juan home” said Lorraine on Friday. According to Cordes, “This was indeed a very serious situation, when Lorraine was admitted in the delivery room with low amniotic fluid, she needed steroids to mature the baby’s lungs and she also had other medical complications. When a baby is delivered at 34 weeks, and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive care Unit, (NICU), we know from experience, that having the father present can help ease the fear that a new mother is faced with.”  “I am grateful to all of the people who helped bring my husband home—Congressman King, the nurses Good Samaritan and my family,” said Lorraine, as she held baby in her arms.  Kelly Leon, RN, one of the nurses caring for Nicholas in the NICU, said he is doing great and = will be home with his family soon That is great news for Army Specialist, Juan Leon, who will heading back to Afghanistan after his two-week leave. “I’m happy I was able to see him.” Leon said. “I got to hold him and feed him. I have something to take back with me.” Army Specialist Juan Leon, is shown with his wife Lorraine-Leon and his son Nicholas Francisco.