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We Honor and Remember:
SSgt Frederick L. Miller Jr.
Hometown: Jackson Township, New Jersey / Hagerstown, Indiana, U.S. Age: 27 years old Died: September 20, 2003 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Troop K, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo. Birth: Jun. 10, 1976, Lakewood, Ocean County, New Jersey, USA Death: Sep. 20, 2003, Iraq Army Staff Sgt. Miller was assigned to Troop K, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado, as a cavalry scout. Miller was conducting a night security patrol, 60 miles west of Baghdad near the Euphrates River, when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle. Frederick joined the Army after graduating from high school in 1994 and re-enlisted after the 2001 terrorist attacks. He was remembered as an inspirational leader of great courage who wanted to take part in every mission. He was tough but fair, had a strong sense of duty, served with honor and loved his country. He had a keen sense of humor and loved sports, especially football. Frederick is survived by his wife, Jamie, two daughters and a son. Burial: Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery Wrightstown, Burlington County, New Jersey, USA Plot: Section 02, Site 3513 |
FREEHOLD, N.J. — Frederick Miller had completed one tour of duty in the Army and had already been honorably discharged when the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, took place. The events of that day inspired the New Jersey native to join the military again so that he could do his part. “This patriot could not just stand by and watch,” Brig. Gen. Michael Mazzucchi said Monday.
He attended high school in Richmond, Ind., after moving there as a teenager in the early 1990s.
“He gave the ultimate sacrifice while liberating Iraq,” said Mazzucchi, who is stationed at Fort Monmouth. During the service, Miller was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service medals.
Army officers and Freehold police stood at attention and saluted as Miller’s flag-draped coffin was carried into the brisk morning air by a military honor guard.
He was buried with military honors at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown. “Taps” was played, and soldiers fired a salute at the graveside ceremony.
Miller was killed while traveling in a Humvee on a highway in Ramadi. A homemade bomb exploded near the vehicle in which he was a passenger. “A life we loved has been torn from us,” the Rev. Myrna Bethke told mourners.
Bethke told Miller’s family and friends that the soldier’s death was a reminder that faraway events can have a terrible impact. “We have found that what happens in one place does indeed affect us all,” she said.
The minister told them to celebrate Miller’s life even as they go through grief.
Family members recalled him as a fun-loving man who liked to spend time outdoors with his family.
Miller was born in Jackson Township, N.J., and attended school there before moving to Indiana with his parents, two brothers and sister as a teenager.
He attended high school in Richmond, Ind., after moving there as a teenager in the early 1990s.
“He gave the ultimate sacrifice while liberating Iraq,” said Mazzucchi, who is stationed at Fort Monmouth. During the service, Miller was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service medals.
Army officers and Freehold police stood at attention and saluted as Miller’s flag-draped coffin was carried into the brisk morning air by a military honor guard.
He was buried with military honors at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown. “Taps” was played, and soldiers fired a salute at the graveside ceremony.
Miller was killed while traveling in a Humvee on a highway in Ramadi. A homemade bomb exploded near the vehicle in which he was a passenger. “A life we loved has been torn from us,” the Rev. Myrna Bethke told mourners.
Bethke told Miller’s family and friends that the soldier’s death was a reminder that faraway events can have a terrible impact. “We have found that what happens in one place does indeed affect us all,” she said.
The minister told them to celebrate Miller’s life even as they go through grief.
Family members recalled him as a fun-loving man who liked to spend time outdoors with his family.
Miller was born in Jackson Township, N.J., and attended school there before moving to Indiana with his parents, two brothers and sister as a teenager.
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