Monday, March 14 2005 @ 08:59 AM EST
Contributed by: tomw
Views: 1,649
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 WGRZ.COM -- It is a very sad time for a Coudersport, Pennsylvania family and community. Private First Class Michael Franklin was killed in the line of duty in Iraq.
 The 22 year old was, according to his family, doing something he loved. He was helping people and making a difference.
On Monday, while guarding a roadside checkpoint, a car bomb exploded, killing Franklin and another soldier. It happened in one of the most dangerous places in Iraq, the city of Ramadi.
Back in Coudersport, his mother, father and sister are coping by remembering Michael as a hero. Michael's father, Bill Franklin says his faith is helping a lot.
"The faith component is getting me through this. If I didn't have that, well, I wouldn't want to think about it ... and I'm glad I don't have to."
The community is also helping, according to Michael's mother, Tina Franklin.
"Everybody said, well, there's nothing to say but they are showing such kindness. It's because he was like their son too."
Family members say Michael joined the service in part, because of what happened on September 11th.
He wanted to help people and make a difference in the world.
No funeral arrangements have been made just yet. Private First Class Michael Franklin was just 22 years old.
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the henle family
sioux falls' south dakota