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San Jose Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) - A soldier from the South Bay was killed over the weekend in Afghanistan when he stepped on a hidden bomb.

The Defense Department said Staff Sgt. Mark C. Wells of San Jose died Saturday in Helmand province. The 31-year-old was assigned to the 8th Theater Sustainment Command at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

Wells joined the Army shortly after graduating from Leigh High School. He started his tour in Afghanistan in August, after serving 14 months in Iraq.

Burl Wells said his son was fearless and always reminded the family that he loved being a member of the bomb squad. He also used to play the bag pipes at the funerals of other soldiers.

Mark Wells is survived by his pregnant wife, Danielle, and their 2-year-old son, Finnegan.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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