Sergeant in charge

Images courtesy: Facebook

As a proud father of four, Sgt. Keith Coe was accustomed to caring for others. Perhaps that is why his protective instincts kicked in so quickly while on an April 27 mission with a group of younger soldiers in Khalis, Iraq.

"All the others in the truck were just kids, just out of high school. It was his duty to get out of that truck first because he was the sergeant in charge," [grandmother Dawn] Jones said.

As Sgt. Coe stepped out of a military vehicle, fellow troops heard and felt the crushing blow of an explosive device detonated by terrorists. According to a Pentagon news release, the 30-year-old soldier died from wounds suffered in the attack. Coe was assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, which has notched many victories since the 9/11 attacks, but also suffered a high number of casualties.

If not for Coe's willingness to take those brave first steps in northern Iraq, there almost certainly would have been more American soldiers killed on that late April day. The volunteer warrior's bravery rightfully makes his grandma proud.

"Keith saved their lives."

According to The Ledger in Lakeland, Florida, the sergeant was affectionately nicknamed "Coe Daddy," most likely because of his ability to lead, whether at home with his kids or overseas with his brothers in arms. He grew up in Fulton, New York, and moved to Auburndale, Florida, shortly after settling down with his bride about three years ago.

Shoshana Walter's article shows us how marriage and fatherhood permanently altered Coe's priorities. Just months before his tragic death, the seasoned soldier dad was fortunately able to see his latest reason to smile in person.

Jones said Coe visited home about two months ago to see his family and meet his 7-month-old before returning to Iraq. Coe had four children: Ava, 6, Keith Jr., 5, Killian, 2, and the baby, Clover.

As his loving wife and family grieve, Coe's death is also touching people he never met. In a Facebook group dedicated to the fallen hero, a soldier from the unit replaced by Coe's in Iraq posted a message with this particularly moving passage:

"It seems like it hit just a little to close to home. To his family and his Soldiers I know that nothing will ever bring him back but all we have are memories that NO ONE can ever take away. Hold on to them and his legacy will live on."

One of the fallen hero's enduring legacies will be the four young Americans he left behind. Because Sgt. Keith Coe was willing to answer his country's call to fight, his children will be raised knowing their father died for something he considered more important than himself. He gave his life for his kids.