The Times Picayune -- (AP) — A 28-year-old Marine from Natchitoches, La., died from wounds received while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.

Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin died Monday at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, officials said. He was injured while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq the day before, DOD said.

Champlin was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Champlin obtained a medical technology degree from LSU Health Sciences Center's School of Allied Health Professions.

"He loved working in the labs, but he felt there was something missing," said his father, retired Chief Warrant Officer Danny Champlin. So, his father said, he joined the Marines.

Danny Champlin said he was told his son was on a foot patrol when an improvised explosive device went off.

"He was in Iraq less than a month," Danny Champlin said.

He said his son was proud of being a Marine, and was proud of the things he and other Marines were doing in Iraq.

"He called us last week. He wanted us to buy some sunglasses for the little girls there. He wanted us to send him sunglasses so he could hand them out to the kids he met," his father said.

The Champlins are raising Donald's son, 2 1/2 year-old Mekhiah Champlin. Beside his son and parents, Donald Champlin is survived by his older sister, Brooke Wall, and her husband, Shreveport plastic surgeon Dr. Forrest Wall.

"My son asked to be buried in North Carolina," he said. "That's where the rest of his Marines are. We're trying to make sure that's what's done."