Marine from Fla. killed in Afghanistan

BRATT, Fla. (WALA) - Scott and Beckie Nelson received the heartbreaking call every military family fears Thursday. It was the news that their 19-year-old son, Marine Corporal Travis Nelson, had been killed in action.

"He just got in a small arms firefight with small weapons. He took a round in the hip - must have got a main artery as well," said Scott Nelson.

Travis Nelson had only been in Afghanistan a month. His father said Travis loved the outdoors, but his dream was serving his country and becoming a Marine.

"Always wanted to be in the Marines for about as long as we can remember," Scott said.

Beckie Nelson had just talked to her son on Monday.

"He needed a care package - him and his other buddy. Travis ... he was a disaster when it came to packing. I tried to pack for him before he left for Afghanistan, and he said, 'Momma, you can't do that,'" she said.

She never got a chance to mail the box. It's still at the family home in Bratt.

Madeline Cates had just saved some pictures from her financee's Facebook page on Wednesday. They were planning to be married when Travis returned home.

"It was suppose to be some time in March or April. I just don't know. I already bought my dress. And the hardest thing ... I don't know what to do with it. It just wasn't suppose to happen," Cates said.

Nelson said his son knew the risk that comes with service and so did his family.

"I personally feel that the war has been going on way to long, but on the same token, I support the military 100 percent, as well as Travis did. We back his decision and his desire. We back him 110 percent. Proud of him," Nelson said.

The Nelsons said Travis' body will arrive at Dover this weekend. It will be several days later before he's brought to northwest Florida.