Kirby fights with newborn left behind

Margaret Hobbs photo

Josh Kirby is pictured with his wife, Tresta, and newborn son, Dominique, during his recent leave. Josh kissed Dominique good-bye when he was six days old.

Dominique was 6 days old when Joshua kissed him good-bye, possibly not seeing him for more than a year.

“He’s wonderful,” said Joshua. “I knew it was going to be difficult, but it is heartbreaking to be leaving him for so long.”

Joshua said he needed “direction” in his life when he joined the National Guard in May 2001, and feels the guard has definitely been a positive influence on him. He is a gunner in the military and realizes he has a job to do and is eager to fulfill his commitment. He has support from family members, Kathy Taylor and John Kirby, parents, two sisters and a brother.

Tresta also realizes a sacrifice has to be made, both by Joshua and herself. She doesn’t want him to miss the many first milestones that come in the first year of a child’s life.

“Joshua will miss him learning to walk, his first tooth, crawling and talking. But we have gotten a video camera and plan to take lots of pictures to send to him while he is gone,” said Tresta.

Tresta is especially going to miss Joshua, because she suffers from Crohn’s disease, a problem that causes her much discomfort.

“He is always here for me when I need him, and I will miss him helping me out,” says Tresta. Joshua knows they have a strong support system of both family and friends to help with Dominique and with Tresta’s health concerns.

Joshua feels the support of the community is important to the morale of the troops. Seeing the signs, ribbons and other displays of support means a lot to the guys. He is ready to go, get the job done, and “become a family man.”