WTVF -- Marine reservist Marcus Golcsynski, 30, was expected to return home next month, but he was killed in combat while serving in Iraq.

Golczynski was killed Tuesday while in the Anbar Province of Iraq.

He was assigned to marine Reserves 3rd Battalion. His unit was due home in two weeks. His death led to his family's tears of sorrow, but his wishes to do what he loved led them to tears of pride and joy.

"He never hesitated to go back, believed in what he was doing and he died for his country," his father Henry Golczynski said.

Golcsynski was in his second tour to Iraq when he was killed.

"I was looking through pictures today and he was elected the class favorite of most school spirit and he not only had school spirit in high school, I think he had spirit in the marine corp," his mother Elaine Huffines said.

Golczanski's family said that he wanted to return to look after the young marines.

"[He said] I can't let them to go over there by themselves without having someone to look after them," Huffines said.

In every email, Golczanski remained positive about what he was doing and has a special message for his family.

"Many of have volunteered to do this a second time due to our deep desire to finish the job we started. We fight and sometimes die so that our families don't have to," one email said.

Golcsynki grew up in Lewisburg, where he still has family including his mother. His father lives in Murfreesboro, where fellow soldiers visited them today to make final arrangements. He leaves behind a 6-year-old son.

Golcsynski was believed to have been the only marine killed Tuesday in the Anbar Province of Iraq.