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Hernando Today

Hernando Beach soldier killed in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. Justin Dean Coleman Sunday at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

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By KYLE MARTIN | Hernando Today

Published: July 27, 2009

SPRING HILL - U.S. Army Spc. Justin Coleman of Hernando Beach was killed Friday fighting in Afghanistan. He was 21.

His wife of two years, Nicole Coleman, was told the news Friday — the day after her birthday. Coleman was expected to return home soon for leave, his mother-in-law, Rosellen Jenkins, said Monday.

Jenkins described Coleman as a "smart kid."

"He was really respectful and has always been great," she said.

An Associated Press photograph shows Coleman's remains arriving at Dover Air Force base in Delaware and cites the Department of Defense to identify Coleman. The Department of Defense would not confirm the death on Monday.

Nicole Coleman and her father-in-law went to Dover this weekend for the remains and were expected back home Monday evening.

Jenkins said the couple were longtime friends and very close. When Coleman deployed in January, his wife sent care packages to him, including camouflage Easter eggs.

Coleman enlisted right after graduating high school and seemed intent on making a career of the military.

"He had intentions of staying," Jenkins said.

Services are incomplete but will be arranged through Downing Funeral Home; Coleman will be buried with full military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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