Rockford soldier dies overseas

An Illinois family is mourning the loss of their son.

Private First Class David John Badie was killed in Afghanistan Friday. On his last visit home, he had asked his father to tell everyone in the family that he loved them in case the worst happened. Last week, Badie's mother said she had a premonition that the worst had occurred.

Badie was returning to base after a patrol when he was killed by a bomb blast. He was 23 years old.

"I tried calling, and I could not get through to him. And I knew that something had happened," said mom Netha Morgan.

Her hunch was confirmed Saturday when military officials showed up at her home. It wasn't that long ago that his family and David spent time talking while on leave in June, David told his stepdad he planned to turn his tour overseas into a career.

"Ever since he was a kid, he wanted to go in the service. That's what he told me. When he was home, he had a book. He wanted to fly a helicopter. So that was his next step," said Daniel Morgan, stepfather.

Even in Afghanistan, David Badie kept his family involved in his military life. Younger sister Kassandra said she got daily updates but remembered one special talk they'd had just before David's last mission.

"He told me that he didn't want to go back through. I told him that I did not want him to go back through either," she said.

Despite the reservations, his mother said she is proud that he fulfilled his duty to his country.

"I'm glad that he was able to find something he felt passionate enough about. I guess ultimately give his life for (it)," said Netha Morgan.

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