‘Exceptional merit:’ U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. David L. Albert Sr. conducted more than 200 mounted combat patrols through hostile territory “under constant threat of ambush” in and around Kabul, Afghanistan, the Army announced Wednesday. He also helped develop and implement a plan that boosted gender equality for the Afghan army and national police.

Back to Idaho: After completing his one-year tour, Albert will return in January. He plans to resume his duties as a drill sergeant at Gowen Field and seek civilian employment.

Family in Boise: Albert and his wife, Angela, have two sons: a first-grader in Boise and a soldier in Army Airborne School.