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Fallen Salem Soldier Remembered

SALEM (CBS/AP) -- An Army medic killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan was remembered in his hometown of Salem.

Mourners filled St. James Church for the funeral Saturday for 25-year-old Sgt. James Ayube, who was killed Dec. 8 while on foot patrol in Kandahar Province.

WBZ News Radio's Kim Tunnicliffe reports from Salem.

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Ayube posthumously received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal and Combat Medical Badge. His burial followed at Harmony Grove Cemetery.

His sister, Ashley, gave the eulogy saying James was a great big brother. "James was unpredictable. He'd always kept a little crazy and a lot of fun in the hearts and minds of those around him," she said. "All he wanted deep down was to fix the world and make everyone happy."

Ayube graduated from Salem High School in 2003. He leaves his parents, James and Christina Ayube, and his wife, Lauren.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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