The families of a Ohio soldier received a letter from their loved one the day they also received news of his death.

Beckie Dixon, of Obetz, said her son, Pfc. Christopher Dixon, 18, wrote that he was busy but fine. On the back of the envelope, he wrote, "Be back soon. USMC."

"I'll treasure it forever," his mother said.

Dixon had been driven to be a Marine since he was in high school, his mother said.

She last spoke with her son about five weeks ago. He asked for a package of goodies - cookies, chips and candy that reminded him of home.

Dixon, who joined the Marines right out of high school, loved to ride horses and his dirt bike, she said. He was an excellent hunter and received recognition in the Marines as an expert shooter. He lived just south of Columbus.

"I'm very proud of him," his mother said. "He's a hero. He did his job and he did it well."