Balancing Duty and Dad Life: How One Army Dad is Raising the Next Generation

By day, he wears the uniform of a U.S. Army staff sergeant. By night, he’s a hands-on dad present for bedtime routines, school projects, and everything in between. For Jonathon Nolen-Kitchen, the balance between military duty and fatherhood isn’t just a challenge; it’s his driving force. He brings the same discipline and commitment from the Army into a structured, purpose-driven home life for his family.

Sharing a glimpse into his personal life, the doting father says that his biggest accomplishment is raising his four daughters alongside his beautiful wife. 

Identifying himself as a soldier, gym enthusiast, gamer and, most importantly, a family man, Jonathon Nolen-Kitchen sharpens his approach to parenting with the same discipline, structure and emotional maturity he’s learned through Army service. He leads with his role as a father and husband, never neglecting the responsibilities that matter most at home. His unwavering commitment to hard work, intentional leadership and hands-on parenting continues to shape the man he is today.

Transferable Skills and Daily Habits

As a millennial parent, Jonathon embraces new approaches to parenting that differ from how he and his wife were raised. From creating educational activities, to nightly Netflix movies, shared meals, and bedtime hugs and kisses, Jonathon is building everyday traditions his family now cherishes.

“When I was in summer school growing up, I was able to do whatever I wanted,” Jonathon recalls. “But for my kids, I’m coming up with activities and things for them to do. There’s more guidance.”

As an active father and husband, Jonathon has taken on his Army day-to-day approaches to raising and motivating his family. His passion for the gym and fitness influenced his children, who have all developed a strong interest in working out and staying healthy. Whether they’re working out together in their home gym or going for family runs through the neighborhood, Jonathon’s daughters can’t wait to spend every possible moment with their dad. 

Shaped by his Army experience, Jonathon found his voice as a leader. As his sense of self strengthened, so did his ability to lead with intention, both in his Army career and at home. That growth sparked a shift in how he parents: no longer just meeting his children’s physical needs, but prioritizing emotional connection. He began setting new norms such as, asking the deeper questions, creating a safe space, and showing his kids that strength begins with presence.

 “Being in the military really forced me to break out of that shell. It broke me out of my mold and really helped me find out  who I am as a leader. And then those characteristics carried over to being a father and husband. For my  wife and I, we love working together as a team,” Jonathon said. 

Advice for Army Parents

Learning to leave work at the door is more than a personal practice; it’s a principle Jonathon shares with fellow Army parents. He believes the stress of the job has no place at home, and he’s intentional about drawing that line. Being able to detach from work allows him to be fully present with his family, using the time he has at home to focus on what matters most, which is being fully invested in raising his kids and nurturing a strong family bond.

“Leave work at work, and don’t take it home. The Army is just another job,” Jonathon explains. “You can be stressed out, but if you’re stressed at work and take that home? There’s no reason for it.”  

Jonathon counters misconceptions about Army life with quiet optimism and relatability. For him, fatherhood is just as much a duty as his Army service. He credits the structure and discipline of his Army training with giving him an edge not in commanding, but in connecting. Building strong, intentional relationships with his children is his greatest mission.

“Don’t let being in the Army stop you from being a parent. Reach out to your kids,” he says. “Go do something with [them]. Don’t just stay locked up in the house. Go out, be productive, and be a part of [their] lives.”  

Looking back on his own childhood, Jonathon says fatherhood has given his life deeper meaning. To him, it’s “all worth it.” The pride he sees in his children when they witness his role in the Army pushes him to lead with both love and discipline, and motivates him to grow not just as a father, but as a husband and man.

The Balance of Love and Discipline 

The biggest life lesson Jonathon and his wife have learned from their kids is the value of patience and acceptance. Overall, he expresses affection and encourages open communication, making sure every family member feels heard.

Jonathon says the support of his wife has helped him become a better soldier, father and person. Together, they’re committed to raising children who are respectful, free from societal stereotypes, and encouraged to pursue careers they love, without facing the same hardships their parents did.

With his faith being a leading force and the power of prayer in their home, Jonathon often reminds his children, “To whom much is given, much is required.” He takes full responsibility for staying active in his kids’ lives despite the challenges, believing it builds confidence and self-esteem.

One thing Jonathon hopes his children will remember is his presence and that he cherishes their trust in him to be the best dad he can be. 

“I never want my kids to think they cannot come to me,” he says. “I want them to acknowledge my presence, and know that Dad was always there.” 

Discover more stories about the men and women who make up today’s U.S. Army at the Blavity x U.S. Army Content Hub.