Family, friends remember fallen soldier

SPRING HILL - A man described as a beloved son, husband and a highly decorated soldier was laid to rest today.

Army specialist Justin Coleman was killed in Afghanistan on Friday. Today, family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes.

Coleman's father said his 21-year-old son privately worried what would happen if he was killed in action. He was concerned his death would go unnoticed, and he would be forgotten.

From the packed funeral home in Spring Hill, it was clear people will not soon forget the soldier.

"It's just what I wanted for him. I wanted him to be honored today," Dean Coleman said. "Just for the people of the area counties, and everybody to know who Justin Coleman was, and what he did."

The Army says Coleman was killed in a firefight with the Taliban on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

During the service, Coleman was posthumously awarded several military honors including the Purple Heart.

"He wanted to be remembered. I think he was cared he might be forgotten," Dean Coleman said about his son.

"Every day, he personally chose to expose himself to the hazards that very few of our citizens will ever know or appreciate," said major General Mike Oates, who leads Coleman's unit.

Many total strangers do appreciate what Coleman did: they are members of a group called the Patriot Guard Riders. Many are veterans who ride their motorcycles to military funerals.

"He is not forgotten," said rider Mike Esposito. "He did the ultimate sacrifice."

A friend from high school said many were surprised when Coleman enlisted. He spoke about joining the Army as a way to earn money for college. Although surprised with his career choice, few were surprised with Coleman's willingness to take on dangerous tasks.

Coleman was reportedly on a mission in search of a fellow soldier who is still missing. A friend told the group of mourners that he would often help other new recruits with running drills to prepare them for basic training.

"It's the way I wanted it for him," said Coleman's father. "I wanted him to be honored today, just for the people to know who Justin Coleman was and what he did."