On May 12, state and local leaders as well as members of the Armed Forces met at the American Legion Andrew Jackson Post 99 to dedicate the post office in downtown Brooksville to US Army Specialist Justin Dean Coleman.
A process that was multiple years in the making, United States Marine Veteran Eric Anderson and Representative Gus Bilirakis unveiled a plaque for Specialist Coleman alongside the fallen soldier’s parents, Dean and Pepper Coleman, on Monday.
“We are doing something more profound than changing a sign,” the congressman said. “We are etching into the heart of this great community a permanent reminder of a young man who gave everything for the country he loved.”
Much like his father, grandfather, great grandfather, and eight uncles, the 21-year-old Hernando County native was called to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. During his first tour of duty, his life was tragically cut short on July 24, 2009 while patrolling a remote village in the Nuristan Province of Afghanistan.
A member of C Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, he and his platoon had originally been tasked with retaking the District of Barge-Matal. The soldiers carried out the initial 96-hour operation while working to uproot the Taliban in the mountainous village.
While on patrol, Coleman and company checked houses in search of Taliban combatants. On that fateful day, the troop was besieged with direct fire from the enemy. A bullet fatally wounded Specialist Coleman in a matter of moments.
However, in drawing fire away from the rest of his platoon, the patrolling fighters were able to take cover and launch a successful counterattack. As a result, no one else died that day and his five remaining platoon mates were able to return to their families.
“Those of you who have been elsewhere, you know how blessed we are, and that blessing does not come without cost,” Anderson added. The sacrifice of Coleman and all others who have fallen in combat leaves a debt that can never be repaid.
Specialist Coleman was more than a Bronze Star recipient who gave everything in the line of duty, though. He was a loving son and friend who left an impact on those around him.
Immediately after his mortal wounding in Barge-Matal, Coleman was surrounded by his fellow soldiers with whom he had become fierce friends. As they waited for evacuation, the initial anger subsided once one of his platoon mates noted a funny anecdote about Coleman and his car. One-by-one, the others recounted personal stories of their time with the young hero before laying their hands on him to offer their final farewells.
“Should any man be so lucky to be loved that deeply and, at death, to be surrounded by friends who cared for him so fiercely?” Retired Brigadier General Mark O’Donnell thought.
United States Army Veteran Shelia Jean Moss was a close friend to Specialist Coleman when he was still the “quiet, unassuming kid with kind eyes” who attended Nature Coast Technical High School.
The two took health sciences and chorus together throughout high school; he was always in pursuit of learning more, and he was similarly devoted in his relationships. “His friendship was loyalty and kindness personified, and it was even like that when he was fourteen,” said Moss.
Monday was not the last day that the fallen soldier will be remembered either. Thanks to that morning’s ceremony, Specialist Coleman will be remembered by all who walk through the post office’s doors from now on.
“Dedicating this post office here in Justin’s hometown is a fitting and powerful tribute,” O’Donnell added. “It ensures that generations to come will know the name of Specialist Justin Coleman. Brave soldier, beloved friend, and son of Brooksville who gave his life in service to our country.”
