Gilbert unit guardsman killed in Afghanistan

Brian Tumminelli, For the Tribune

September 8, 2007 - 1:35PM , updated: September 9, 2007 - 2:14AM

In this undated photo released by the Arizona National Guard, Pfc. Mykel F. Miller, 19, of Phoenix is shown at Fort Benning, Ga. He is flanked by his mother, Maria, and stepfather, David.

A Phoenix Army National Guardsman was killed in action Thursday in Afghanistan.

Pfc. Mykel Miller, 19, died of wounds sustained during an operation in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Army National Guard. Miller was a part of the Gilbert-based Bravo Company, 1-158th Infantry Battalion, which deployed to Afghanistan in March.

“This young man epitomized everything good and honorable about being an American and a citizen soldier,” Army Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak said in a prepared statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, loved ones and fellow soldiers of Private First Class Miller.”

The battalion’s mission was to provide security for American and coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan.

Miller’s family has requested privacy as they mourn. Funeral arrangements have not been set, according to a Guard news release.

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East Valley Mom

My personal condolences to the family of this soldier. My heart goes out to the family and other loved ones of this young man. Not that one soldier deserves life over death, or vice versa, but that he lived his life on his own terms, and there is no shame or guilt in that. There will be time to mourn, time to celebrate. But most of all, time to celebrate love from and to each other, along with freedom, which is what this young man stood for, and what the remaining soldiers are still fighting for. God bless you Miller Family and Friends. Suggest removal of this comment

September 8, 2007

Jack in Phoenix

God bless Pfc.Mykel Milller and his family. I am praying for them in this difficult time. He is not forgotten. He and the other wonderful men and women who serve in the armed forces are ever deserving of our love and honor. They stood up for America. Let us always stand up for them. Suggest removal of this comment

September 8, 2007

SA

WHAT IS HE, PHILIPINO????

Who cares what he is! What does matter is that this young soldier died defending you, me and all of America. God Bless him and his family! Comment has been reviewed

September 9, 2007

Tony

These men are my friends and are engaged in a mission that is difficult beyond belief, trying to help people that do NOT appreciate their help, under some of the most austere conditions; this young man represents the best of this state and this nation; pray for his family because their loss is more than we can imagine; I've worked as a Casualty Assistance Officer and this families long journey is only now beginning. God Bless PFC Miller, God Bless B Company, God Bless the 158th Infantry Battalion, and Godspeed Bushmasters! Suggest removal of this comment