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Pasco Inscribes Names of 2 Fallen Soldiers On Memorial

News Channel 8 photo

Pfc. Patrick Joseph "PJ" Miller and Sgt. Marcus Mathes have joined those honored on the Pasco Veterans Memorial in New Port Richey.

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By CARL ORTH

The Suncoast News

Published: July 23, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - The sacrifice of two Pasco County soldiers killed in Iraq will not be forgotten.

A ceremony on Tuesday dedicated the inscription of the names of Pfc. Patrick Joseph "PJ" Miller and Sgt. Marcus Mathes onto the Pasco Veterans Memorial in New Port Richey.

Miller, from New Port Richey, was proclaimed a "steadfast and courageous soldier who was deeply loved by his family and many friends," in a Pasco County Commission resolution.

Miller died March 29 from combat injuries suffered in Baghdad. He was the son of Kim Miller of New Port Richey and Patrick J. Miller of Spring Hill. He also is survived by his fiancee, Tara E. Nelson, and brothers Michael J. and Taylor C.R. Miller.

Miller graduated in 2003 from J.W. Mitchell High School and attended the University of South Florida. He enlisted in the Army in March 2007 and was deployed to Iraq in September.

Mathes, from Zephyrhills, also was saluted for his bravery. He died April 28 from combat injuries in Baghdad.

A Florida native, Mathes graduated from Zephyrhills High School. On his 23rd birthday, March 15, 2005, he enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Iraq in November 2007. He served as an 88M-category (Motor Transport Operator) truck driver.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Richard Griffitts read the resolutions honoring the soldiers at the memorial outside the West Pasco Government Center.

For more photos or to post your own, go to suncoastnews.com, Keyword: Veterans memorial.

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