ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. -- Family members were told by the military at their Atlantic City home Tuesday that 21-year-old Army specialist Eric Rivera had been killed in Iraq.

But his older brother knew before the devastating words were uttered.

“As soon as I parked my car and saw two uniformed soldiers outside my house, as soon as I saw them, I knew my brother was dead," said Jeff Rivera.

The family put up ribbons outside their home Thursday as they tried to cope with their grief.

Eric Rivera's death was devastating to this community, as well. He's the first military member from Atlantic City to lose his life in Iraq.

“I’m so sad now because Atlantic City lose good man,” said Cayetana Palcios, Rivera's mother.

“He wasn’t afraid of anything. It’s a shame because he was a good person," said Jeff Rivera.

Loved ones said they learned Eric -- a 2003 graduate of Atlantic City High School -- died after coming under enemy fire Tuesday in Balad, Iraq.

It was his second tour of duty in Iraq. He voluntarily re-enlisted in the military and returned just two months ago.

“He died doing what he loved. He wasn’t forced there. He did it on his own," Jeff Rivera said. “… He said he wanted to go back because, obviously, the job wasn’t done. A lot of his buddies were still there, and he didn’t want to leave him.”

Jeff Rivera is set become an Atlantic City police officer in January. His baby brother hoped to join him on the force when he retired from the military.

The war has dashed those hopes, but Jeff Rivera said he believes in spirit and his brother will still be with him.

“He’ll be there to protect me, I know. He’s my angel now," Jeff Rivera said.

Eric Rivera’s body is expected to arrive at Dover Air Force Base this weekend.

His family plans to bury him two days after Thanksgiving.