MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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September 11, 2011

Ex Muskogee High Schooler injured in Afghanistan

By Kenton Brooks Phoenix Staff Writer

John Coker Jr., a 2001 Muskogee High School graduate and a sergeant in the National Guard, was wounded while on duty in Afghanistan over the weekend.

Stacy Coker, Coker’s mother, said her son was shot in both legs and the pelvis. One of his legs was crushed, he was shot in the knee in the other leg and a femoral artery was nicked, she said, adding he was stable.

Three members of her son’s unit were killed, and eight others were wounded, she said.

Stacy Coker said her son, who has been in the service for two years, was going to be transported to a hospital in Germany. The 28-year-old was based in Oklahoma City and living in Midwest City when he was called to service.

“His family and friends love him very much,” Stacy Coker said. “He will have extensive surgery, so we hope for a speedy recovery and his safe return.”

John Coker Jr. was a standout football and baseball player for Muskogee High School. He was a tailback in football and outfielder in baseball for the Roughers. He played baseball as an outfielder for Seminole State and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Coker was chosen in the 37th round by the San Diego Padres in the 2001 amateur draft.

Reach Kenton Brooks at (918) 684-2912 or kcbrooks@muskogeephoenix.com.

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