Army Grants Soldier Leave To Attend "Sons" Funeral After Community Protests

GARDEN CITY, Kansas - A soldier overseas, who was told he couldn't attend the funeral of the boy he calls his son, is actually on a plane to Kansas. The Army changed its mind after an outcry of thousands who thought Owen should be granted the request.

It all started when the army told Owen that he couldn't come home to attend the funeral of her fiance's son Kaylien.

Owen made the request because he raised Kaylien and considered him his own.

"DNA should not matter,” said Owen. “That does not make you a father. I don't care who you are."

Thousands took to facebook to share his story. Supporters created a “Bring Nick Home” page with over 11,000 supporters.

A constant flow of posts crowded the page with people saying things like, “Nick I'm so happy you get to come home for Kayliens funeral," and "Praying works and never underestimate the power of facebook."

"I’m at a loss for words honestly; it's really amazing what people have done for me,” said Owen.

Early Thursday morning, Owen got the good news that the Army had changed its mind.

Look how much pressure we put on them,” said Owen. “They understood that me and my supporters back home don't take no for an answer as being a parent."

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