Porter Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

PORTER, Oklahoma -- Another Oklahoma soldier has been killed in Afghanistan. 

Specialist Josh Seals served with the Oklahoma National Guard's 45th infantry. The Department of Defense says Seals died Tuesday from non-combat related injuries.

He is the eighth solider from Oklahoma to be killed in Afghanistan in recent weeks.

8/16/2011 Related Story: Seventh Oklahoma Soldier Dies In Action

Specialist Seals graduated from Porter High School in 2008. He signed up for the military soon after.

His high school science teacher, Janet Wynbrant, says he had a big future in front of him and that he always had a plan. She says those plans were tragically cut short.

Specialist Seals was just 21 years old.

Wynbrant taught Seals for four years at Porter High School.

"It's a nightmare," she said. "I'm so sad for his family. He's got a loving family. He's got brothers, a mom, a dad, who always stood behind him and care for him. I'm sure this is one of their worst days."

"He was genuine and kind, you know. Always thinking of others. Quiet, just a nice kid," she added.

Described as respectful and together, Seals joined the military, following in his family's footsteps.

"Even wore his military uniform for the prom one year. So I'll always remember that," Wynbrant said.

Wynbrant, a member of Blue Star Moms, recently heard from Seals.

"He e-mailed me a couple weeks ago and said, ‘Miss Wybrant can you have the Blue Star Moms send me some stuff for the police that I work with. They don't get anything and I'd like for them to have something too.' That's the kind of guy he was," she said.

This is the first student killed in action in the eight years that Larry Shackelford has been principal. He says the tight knit Porter community lost a good man.

"If you had a kid, a son. That's how you'd want one to be. Just a great kid," he said.

"That's the saddest part of it, you know. People who really have a plan and work at things, 100 percent, it's so sad to see them go," Wynbrant said.

"He had a big life in front of him. All those soldiers do over there," she added.

Wybrant says Specialist Seals' family is on their way to Dover Air Force Base to be there when his body returns. Funeral arrangements are pending.