Pratt City, AL - The family of a Jefferson County soldier grieves as it prepares to say farewell.  Twenty-three year old Nicky Lee died Friday in combat in Afghanistan. 

His mother Norma Lee says he loved his work in the military.  After being home for just a month from his first tour of duty, he re-enlisted and was deployed two months later.   

"It's been rough. I miss him and I know he was doing a good thing for our country and he loved everybody in our country," said Lee's younger brother.  "It's just tough.  I can't believe he's gone."

A tearful goodbye from Lee's brother.  Sergeant Lee was his mother Norma's first son.  She calls him her joy.

None of the family was prepared for the knock on their door.

"They were like 'your son, Nicky Lee has died in combat, small arms fire in Afghanistan."

The proud family eagerly anticipated Lee's return home from his second tour in Afghanistan this July.

"Don't get to make it now," said his brother.  "I've got to bring him home in a box."

His mother put a bracelet on her arm the  day her son reported for boot camp.  Friday, she will leave it in his coffin.

"All the families that's had to go through this, I know what  they're going through," said Lee.  "I care about them, too, and they're going to be in my prayers."

Visitation for Sergeant Lee will be Friday from 6 - 8 p.m. at Crestview Memorial Funeral Home.  His funeral is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Village Fall Cemetery in Mulga. 

The funeral is open to the public.

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