Tulsa World -- The Department of Defense announced Monday that Pfc. Coleman Hinkefent, 19, of Coweta, died Saturday in Hamburg, Germany of non-combat related illness.

Hinkefent was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany.

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Pvt. Coleman W. Hinkefent, US Army, A co. 1/6 Infantry. While serving his country in Iraq, Coleman became ill and was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He was transfered to Homburg to begin treatment but his condition rapidly deteriorated and he lost his battle Saturday, December 20, 2008 at around 7:00 AM local time.

Coleman was proud of his duty and service and he entered the Army with full conviction and knowledge of where he was going and what was expected of him. His quote was "Doin' my job, so my family can sleep in peace at night."

Coleman was a hero to my little niece Sam and a dear friend to my brother-in-law, Louis. He leaves behind his fiance, Jordan, his parents, Belinda and Eric, two sisters and a brother, as well a large group of friends and loved ones.

God bless and God speed and rest in peace. The world is made a better place because people like this are among us, and although it is darker with their passing, I remain grateful for their contribution.