WEST FARGO (AP) - A soldier from this city has returned to duty in Iraq after recovering from a wound he suffered in combat, his mother said.

Army Spc. Steven "Luke" Albin, 21, was hit by shrapnel from an improvised explosive device in early February, said his mother, Kim Albin.

Albin said her son has shrapnel in his hip joint, but Army surgeons decided against removing it. He was off duty for three weeks while his wound healed and has now returned to his unit, she said.

"I think his attitude is still good," Kim Albin said.

Albin said her son is scheduled for a two-week home leave sometime between now and July.