'He died doing what he loved'

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Sgt. Daniel Angus, pictured holding the red-sleeved commendation, was working in construction as the Iraq war began in 2003. Yet as his mother told The Tampa Tribune, he decided he wanted to accomplish more.

"He found himself," Kathy Angus said. "He was well-liked. He did whatever was asked of him and then some."

According to Jose Patino Girona's article, Sgt. Angus bravely served two tours in Iraq, earning several medals and a promotion. He left for a third tour, this time in Afghanistan, on December 17, 2009. He was killed on Sunday when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists blew up near his patrol in Helmand Province. Two fellow Marines, Lance Cpl. Timothy Poole and Lance Cpl. Zachary Smith, were also killed in the attack.

"He died doing what he loved," his mother said of the 2000 Armwood High School graduate. "He loved the Marine Corps and he gave his life for it."

The 28-year-old Thonotosassa, Florida, resident had just gotten married before leaving for his tour of duty. He was killed just months before his beloved daughter's second birthday. According to the article, Bonnie and Kaitlyn Angus live in Tennessee. In addition to his family, the Marine's mom described what her son loved about life.

Outside of military life, Angus loved the outdoors, especially going to the mud hole. He had a big four wheeler that he drove in the woods and through the mud. He also owned a huge pickup that he used to cruise the town and to also go mudding, Kathy Angus said.

He liked to fish and hunt, too.

"He was my only son," Kathy Angus said. "I have a daughter, but he was my only son."

Sgt. Daniel Angus will be laid to rest on February 6 in Florida.