As we've just seen regarding the arrest of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, one person or just a few people can make all the difference in wartime. Had the authorities not been tipped, this murderous terrorist would still be at large.
I understand the impotence this father must feel about his infant son, but he is unable to do any more for his son than is already being done, and by one of the best medical facilities in the world. OTOH, perhaps no one can fill his shoes as well as he can in his unit. He made his decision to ship out with his unit, and I applaude him for what must have been the most difficult choice he will ever have to make.