The Register Mail -- XXXXXXXXX - A 2001 XXXXX High School graduate was one of three U.S. Airmen killed Sunday in a roadside bomb explosion south of Baghdad, his family confirmed this morning.
Air Force Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, had been in Iraq for about six months, according to his father, XXXXXX XXXXXX of XXXXXXXXX. His mother is XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX of rural XXXXXX.
XXXXXX said the family does not have all the details of the explosion, but he has been told three airmen were killed and one was injured in the explosion, which occurred in Al-Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad.
The Associated Press reported three airmen assigned to the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance division were killed and another was wounded Sunday, but the Department of Defense has not released names.
"Dan was the type that lived life to the fullest," Miller said about his son. "He enjoyed life very much. He was always there for his younger brothers and sisters."
The former high school football player was the oldest of five siblings - one of whom recently served in Iraq - and two stepsiblings. He loved canoeing and camping, his father said, and he completed basic training in 2004 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
"We had all been in touch with him recently," Miller said. "My son was the last one to talk to him, the day before yesterday (01-06-07)."
The students, faculty and staff at XXXXX High School - where two of Miller's younger siblings are enrolled - had a moment of silence for Miller this morning.
"He's part of the XXXXX family. It hurts," said principal XXXX XXXXXXXX.
Faculty and staff gathered before school this morning to share the news of Miller's death. Amid the tears and the shock, teachers discussed what they remembered about Miller and his character.
"What really stood out with Dan was his closeness with his family, his brothers and sisters and mom and dad," said XXXXXXXX, noting that Miller often visited the school after he graduated and always made a point to ask his former teachers how his siblings were doing.
XXXXXXXX said Miller had been active in his church's youth activities and the staff at XXXXX High School considered him a "silent leader."
"He wasn't one to brag. He led by example," XXXXXXXX said. "He did things without wanting to have people pat him on the back."
XXXXXXXX said he knew Dan was aware of the risks before he went to Iraq, but he accepted them.
"Those were his leadership qualities. He just did things," XXXXXXXX said. "He had a great sense of humor. He was always happy, always smiling. He fit in well here at school. It didn't matter who you were, Dan liked you. He was that kind of kid. He cared about everyone around him."
A picture of my cousin Dan has been added to my folder..... I love ya Dan and I'll miss you a lifetime!!!!
