Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Pfc. Bruce Miller, Jr.

23, of Orange, New Jersey.
Miller died in Mosul, Iraq, of non-combat related injuries. He was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on March 22, 2004.

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"Bruce was one of the best humans I have ever met. Always smiling, always cheering others up. I think about you often brother"
Damon Walker of VA

"A past acquaintance of mine recently lost his life on foreign soil. Immediately I thought of Bruce Miller, the first of a couple handfuls of people I knew who met the same fate. Bruce Miller is a source of strength for me. I would like to let his family know that there are people out here who have him in their thoughts, and always will."
SSG Eadler of Abroad

"Bruce Miller, my best friend, my battle buddy, my running mate, I love you friend and will never forget you. Katie Bruce loved you like no other. If you ever want to talk email me at frederick_woods2000@yahoo.com"
Ricky Woods of Winston Salem,NC

"Bruce Miller , was deployed to Iraq in the winter of 2003, due to dire stress of the war, Bruce Miller’s life was taken by his own doing on the 22nd of March 2004. The army disclosed his death to the public as non-combat related injuries.
I have since lost contact with his family but would like them to know that wherever they are my heart is open to them and my tears will never stop falling for the loss of our native son Bruce Miller Jr. With a heavy heart I submit this memory, of my dearest friend. Thus taken with a leap of faith God bless our troops!
Sometimes to remember the death of a loved one is like showing the scars but never feeling the wound. It happens too sudden like your own life is taken, that brush of hurt you wince in pain, then all of a sudden you’re in a stoned graveyard wishing your friend goodbye. The salute guns are so loud you cant even hear them, the tears of his mother the heaviness of the heads bearing down so low you’d think they are about to join him, and you just looking around with tears barely touching your cheeks as if your looking through an age old foggy Coca cola bottle. “Was this his life?” All this love pouring out, the sadness the trembling of the trees and the sky beginning to share in the tears of an already shattered family. When I think of Bruce Miller’s life, I think of two things, his forever endearing grin, and his eyes so calm quiet serene, you’d never think such eyes could see the horror every soldier can fear.


I met Bruce Miller Jr in April of 1994, I had just transferred to the Community Lower School in Teaneck Nj, at the time we were only shy and awkward preteens, but Bruce was genuinely funny and extremely sweet, we became friends right away. Years went by and as we grew we became high school sweethearts on again and off again, there were fights misunderstandings dealings with puberty and the struggle every teenager endures, it was the 90’s not much was happening in our own little world, however struggled with one more thing that I feel was completely unique about our little school. To the outside world and our teachers we were learning disabled, inside our many friendships we were just we.

In March of 1998 sadly, The Community High School fire came to pass. I for reasons too long winded to fit this story, had to leave and attended school in Vermont. When I left I promised Bruce that we would never stop writing, nor would we stop seeing each other, I kept my promise, and have every letter, memory, and conversation to hold onto for the rest of my life. We continued to correspond, hang out celebrate birthdays, and even add an occasional phone call, (Bruce wasn’t much of a phone person.)

On September 11th 2001, two planes crashed into the World Trade Center, one hit the Pentagon, and on September 13th, two days later my phone rings at exactly 12 midnight. “Hey Katie, I just enlisted I’m going to Seattle.” All I could say was “Bruce sleep on it, call me when you’ve had some rest.” “No, Kate I’m serious this is a good thing but I’m scared, could we talk.” I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and we talked till about 3. He was so hell bent on going I couldn’t talk him out of it, I tried that night, and that night stretched in to years until he was deployed to Mosul. He called me his best friend suffice it to say we may have ended up together…. What would that have been like? I ask my self 6 years after his death, I loved him and yet I had to let him go. Sometimes that’s how love ends up. Letting go…moving on…. you can wonder what might have been, but through it all never let go of what you had. Rest In Peace My Friend, I’ll never forget you.
Love always
Katie"
Katie Alvarez of Guttenberg NJ

"I remember the sound of Bruce singing "Hero" by Nickelback while sitting in the in the darkness in the back of a 5-ton. He sang even the high notes that most guys wouldn't even attempt to hit, and his brothers-in-arms applauded his willingness to let loose with some impromptu Karaoke. I'm thankful for the times I got to share with him and the chance to hang out with him when it wasn't all just guns and gear. So much has changed in my life since that day when we lost our friend, but he's still alive in my thoughts. His likeable nature has played a role in influencing the attitude I maintain as I tread my own path through this life. I know I honor him when I approach situations with empathy and truly act with concern for others. When you become synonymous with ideals like that, you never truly die. He didn't get to feel the beauty of life after war. I am doing what he could not. Therefore, I feel it would be a disservice to him if I did not enjoy everything that this life brings my way.

I will remember him always."
SPC Jim "Tree" Rowntree of Issaquah, WA

"my name is mathew forsman at the time of our deployment privite miller and I were in the same Squad when we deployed to Iraq in 2003 it took a couple of months to finally get to mosul we were bunked in the same CHU (Combat housing unit) miller was a friend to all who crossed his path including myself i miss bruce with all my heart and will never forget him he was a man that would give you the ear you needed to releive your burden and never ask for one in return. he would sit with us and joke about things that i have long forgot but the memorieswill always remain of us talking bout what game we should get next or what stupid thing spc. dell was about to do. i never got to know him like i should have being his roommate and all but he is forever in my heart. thank you miller family for giving the world such a good hearted and spirited man. im sorry that i just now found this page and wished to share what little i knew of the man i called friend. my email is mathew.forsman@yahoo.com if anyone wants to write me."
SGT. Forsman, Mathew s of Fort Carson Co. USA

"Hey Bruce just wanted to tell you Happy Memorial Day. Thank you for always being there for me and serving your country."
Ricky Woods of Fort Myer, VA

"thank you everyone for your words, for taking the time to know my brother Bruce Miller Jr. my name is Raven Austin, his middle brother."
Raven Austin of San Antonio Tx

"Bruce I was sitting in my office making a hot pocket and could not help but htink about you. That was our favorite food to eat in the barracks back in 2003. I remember going with you to the game stores, going food shopping at the commissary with you, most importantly I remember the mentor you were to me. I came in the army at age 18, you watched like a brother, and for that i'm in your debt. Thanks for the memories, you are gone but never forgotten."
Frederick Woods of US Army Honor Guard

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion , Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"my uncle harold lemon was one of the first to die at normandy. his wife the former mozelle patterson remembers little about him can anyone help me get info on him and possily the manner of his death. i was told he succumbed to a nazi sniper bullet to the brain. he was us army and i think he died at omaha beach. that's all i have on him. he had just married before deployment he was most like a ranger, pathfinder or some other "first in" type battalion breckenridge.bruce@yahoo.com"
breck of waller tx

"Bruce you are the definition of a true friend. Ive thought long and hard about our memories of the past. You were always there for me always listening to my problems I was having. I miss you brother so much. You were a true friend you never judged anyone. You listened to everyone's problems.
I remember when you and I went to Jimmy's house in Portland what an awesome time we had. The laughs we had that night. I will always remember you. As a great person and you will live forever in my heart."
Clayton Loeblein of Independence, OR/USA

"March 16, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Bruce Miller, Jr.:
Bruce gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I am lucky to share your first name."
Bruce of Port Huron, Mi

"4 years since your gone and i still pray every night for you. Happy Birthday 2/22/08 I love you with all my heart. I shall always be with you brucie Rest in peace sweetheart! Hugs n kisses

Your katie"
Katie Alvarez of Guttenberg nj

"How touching to read the comments after all this time. Bruce, you are not forgotten, never will be.
Rest in peace."

"Although I may not have been in his squad or platoon, Bruce was a friend. He was somebody that I could talk to and relate to. I only wish that he were still here today. He would offer a joke if I felt down, and lend an ear if I needed to talk. Of all the people that I knew that are gone, I think I will miss him the most. If anybody would like to contact me, please feel free to e-mail me at tkblade200@yahoo.com"
Patrick Long (Veteran) of Kamiah, ID

"I never got the opportunity to meet you, but I have heard so much about you. Chris & I think about you everyday. Chris talks about you everyday and knows that you are watching over him and everyone else. You paid the ultimate sacrifice and I thank you and your family for that. You will never be missed or forgotten! Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

**TRY NOT TO LOOK AT THEM AS FALLEN SOLDIERS! THEY ARE OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS!**

**War Heros Remembered! Without them...where would we be?**"
Mistee Whitt {wife of Spc. Whitt} of Ft. Lewis, Wa. USA

"on this the third anniversary of your death i miss you more than words can ever describe id rather hear your voice again than any sound in the whole world. without you my world is upsidedown you always did lead me in the right direction (or tried) Bruce ive loved you since i was 14 now im almost 25. If i could change the world youd still be here I love you bruce good bye"
katie alvarez of guttenberg nj

"Bruce, I will never forget you Bruce, you touched my heart as a true friend, to the Miller family you raised one hell of a son, you cannot be more prouder. He was truly a blessing to our unit. If you ever want to talk about Bruce please e-mail me at frederick.woods@carlisle.army.mil it will be an honor to talk to you about Bruce."
SGT Woods, Frederick of United States Army War College

"Thank you for the ultimate sacrafice the price you paid for our freedom. Like many before you and many to fall after you I pray you are never forgotten."
chuck of orlando

"Although we never had the opportunity to meet and get to know one another (Kellaun says you'd like me)...I will always feel your influence on Kelly's life. He speaks often of you, Bruce, and I know that you are never far from his thoughts, or anyone else's in the family. That's true immortality. Thank you for the contribution you made to making this world a better place."
Heather McMahan of Raleigh NC

"Bruce was a person who made a difference to many people. He may have been my younger brother, but I only hope to follow in HIS footsteps. I will always miss him in my life."
Kellaun Lindsy (brother) of Raleigh, NC, USA

"its been almost two years, and i am taken back to that night i learned that you were gone. Bruce we've been together since high school. You taught me to love myself and not to sweat the petty things. I remember everything like its was yesterday your laugh, how much you loved to run and also how much you loved me. Bruce Miller I will love you forever even in death nothing can tear us apart. Rest in peace my angel your with god now and i'll see you soon. All my love your fiancee
Katie."
katie alvarez of guttenberg nj usa

"To the family of Bruce Miller Jr. I am so sorry for he loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga 30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ."
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"Bruce was my best friend in the army. I told him all my problems and he told me all his. I miss him everyday. To his family you raised a good son and a great soldier, please never ever forget that. To Katie I only spoke to you once and you probaly won't remember me but he loved you more than life itself. I guess god decided he wanted him as an angel by his side. I miss u Bruce"
Frederick Woods of Carlisle,PA/USA

"Anybody with the name Bruce Miller must be an awesome individual. Thank you for doing your family and country proud."
Bruce Miller of Houston, Tx USA

"~EVERYTHING is okay in the end if it's not okay then it's NOT the END~"
Patti Miller_16 of Skok nation Wa

"Rest in peace, my good friend."
Joe Kennedy of Ridgefield Park, NJ

"Private Miller, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I Love you Bruce! You are forever in my heart. Rest in peace Te quiero!

Your Little Missy
Katie M. Alvarez"
Katie Alvarez of Guttenberg Nj USA

"REST IN PEACE BRAVE WARRIOR
May God Bless your family and friends"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Bruce, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Bruce Miller, Jr., you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Bruce Miller, Jr.:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Bruce for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Bruce Miller, Jr.:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Bruce, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on