Milwaukee Marine dies while serving in Afghanistan

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Department of Defense confirms the death of 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Collins, Jr. of Milwaukee on Saturday, October 5th. Collins was supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan as an intelligence specialist.

Jeremiah Collins, Jr.

Collins was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

"He loved the Marines. He wanted to protect his country. He was willing to look down the eye of a gun for country," said Shannon Collins, Jeremiah's mother. "I think his enlistment is more about showing people that he could be something great."

Collins says her son was an exceptional Marine who was determined -- and always went above and beyond.

"He graduated boot camp with a 300 PFT (physical fitness test) which is the highest you can get," said Collins.

Collins was stationed in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before leaving to support combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Sammuel Sanchez is in deep mourning. He tells FOX6 News Collins was his longtime best friend.

"A person that will push you keep you going wont let anything knock him down," said Sanchez. "He was a great man and I will never forget him."

The incident in which Collins died is now under investigation.

Collins' body has returned to the United States. Right now, his remains are in Dover, Delaware. They won't be returned to Milwaukee until later this week or early next week.

The Collins family is finalizing arrangements but plans to have a family memorial, visitation and graveside service with full honors.

Collins is a graduate of Milwaukee Hamilton High School in 2012.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.