South Jersey Soldier Killed in Iraq

May 30, 2007 (WPVI) -- A soldier who became a hero to more than 250 kids at his old school last January has been killed in Iraq.

On hearing the terrible news, friends and family quickly gathered where Joseph Weiglein grew up.

Before he was a sergeant in Iraq, he was a small town kid. He was a Boy Scout, a soccer player, and a fisherman.

His mom and dad say the Army gave Joe a sense of purpose. He was very proud of his mission.

"Maybe it was organization. Maybe discipline. He felt good," said Ellen Weiglein.

"He wanted to do something for the country," said his father, Mike Weiglein.

We met Staff Sergeant Joe Weiglein last January. Before going back to Iraq, he made a special stop at Haviland Avenue Elementary where he went as a youngster.

The students had adopted him and his unit. Weiglein patiently fielded questions from 256 curious young minds.

Weiglein's wife, Jennifer, is her way here. She was at the couple's home in Fort Drum, New York when she learned of her husband's death. The funeral will be held in Audubon.

(Copyright 2007 by Action News and 6abc. All Rights Reserved.)

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