The adventurer

Image courtesy: U.S. Marines

Cpl. Paul Miller was 13 years old when terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. Had he been allowed, he would have joined the Marines on September 12.

"Upon Paul graduating high school, there was no hesitation to join the Marines," Gavaldon said. "He didn't seem to even toss around the idea of doing anything else. He was adventurous and anxious of his deployment to Iraq, as well as Afghanistan."

The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that Cpl. Miller thrived under pressure. While playing baseball growing up, he wanted to step in the batter's box with the game on the line. Most people avoid danger, but Miller would often seek it out. But instead of speeding around Traverse City, Michigan, in his car, which sometimes got him in trouble with his parents and the local cops, he would deploy to some of the world's most dangerous areas. Instead of worrying about the outcome, the combat engineer revelled in the excitement of the battlefield.

According to the Pentagon, the 22-year-old Marine was killed on July 19 while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province. He was assigned to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Reporter Alex Piazza covered the fallen Marine's July 29 funeral in Lake Ann, Michigan.

"Our family is devastated by his death, but feel very proud of how brave he was," said his sister, Ashley Gavaldon.

Thousands of miles away on Camp Delaram II in Afghanistan, dozens of Marines gathered on August 10 to say goodbye to one of their own. While honoring Miller and noting that he was awarded a Purple Heart, it was the heart he showed every day on deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq that moved his brothers in arms. Marines spoke of their fallen comrade's character before a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Back in Michigan, where flags recently flew at half-staff in honor of the Marine's service and sacrifice, the Miller family, including his wife, sister, and parents, are sharing stories and looking at pictures of their departed hero. After seeing the outpouring of support from the Great Lakes all the way to Afghanistan, no doubts remain about how much Cpl. Paul Miller meant to the people around him. Yet his loved ones can also be comforted by what the Marine did for himself. He saw evil during the 9/11 attacks, and promised himself that he would do everything in his power to defend our nation's honor. Today, that personal mission is accomplished.

Image courtesy: Sgt. Dorian Gardner