An Akron soldier will be allowed to finish his college course work when he returns from Iraq and a previous failing grade has been changed to an incomplete.Staff Sgt. Howard Hill, 43, who is originally from Akron and working on a distance- learning bachelor’s degree in sociology from Saint Leo University in Florida, will be able to resume a class he was taking when he leaves Iraq, said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Avon.The senator said Hill received a failing grade in a class after he was sent to Iraq, where he had no Internet access to complete the work. The failing grade threatened his military tuition assistance.Brown said his office was able to have the grade changed to incomplete. Hill will be allowed to retake the course at no cost.Maureen Moore, director of university communications at Saint Leo University, said the school has “assisted Staff Sergeant Howard Hill and he is satisfied with the efforts taken on his behalf.” She said student privacy rules prohibit her from commenting further. Saint Leo has been teaching at military bases for 38 years. Hill, an Ellet High School graduate based out of Fort Eustis, Va., has served in the Army for 18 years and is on his fourth overseas deployment. He previously served in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War, said his wife, Michelle Robertson.Hill said he is happy to have the matter settled.“I ran into roadblock after roadblock, and it took away from my ability to perform my daily mission,” he said.He said his goal is to ultimately receive a master’s degree in counseling and he plans to retire from the military in seven years.“I plan to open a counseling center specializing in soldier and family support with an emphasis on helping those with post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said.Brown said that members of the military should be supported in every way possible.“In the case of Staff Sgt. Hill, common sense prevailed and we were able to ensure that he can continue serving his country while completing his college degree,” Brown said.Brown said Ohio law requires colleges and universities to provide educational military leave of absence for students called to active duty who request it and schools must restore the students to their previous status upon their return.Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or at jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.