A brave new family

Image courtesy: U.S. Army

This wasn't supposed to happen. With just three months left on his tour in Afghanistan, Pfc. James Miller was talking to his excited wife, who would often be holding their 18-month-old daughter, on Skype about what they'd all do together when he returned to Washington state.

According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Miller was killed on Monday in Dashat, Afghanistan. A news release said the soldier, who was serving in the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, was killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists blew up under his vehicle.

The Yakima Herald-Republic spoke with the fallen hero's mother, Kim.

"We're doing the best we can," his mom said in a phone interview from Eagle Lake, Minn., where she was visiting her daughter -- James' sister -- Mandie.

Her son had "just turned 21. He was serving his country. He had three more months, and he would've been home. But that didn't happen," she said, adding, "They told him he would be back by the Fourth of July."

Adrianna Janovich's article said Miller enlisted in 2008, and was in basic training during the birth of his daughter, Peyton. The 21-year-old soldier saw his little girl for the last time while visiting on leave late last year. Before Monday's tragedy, Miller was reportedly considering re-enlisting, so he could continue supporting his young family.

Pfc. James Miller's loved ones never wanted to see the American hero return home in a flag-draped casket. Dealing with this unimaginable grief is a challenge that would be difficult for even the strongest human beings to endure. But for the sake of his daughter, who will tragically have to grow up looking at pictures and videos of her dad, I have no doubt communities in Washington state and Minnesota will rally around the Miller family. They deserve everyone's utmost gratitude, support, and respect.