TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

Names Added To Pasco Veterans Memorial

Carl Orth/SUNCOAST NEWS

Two Pasco soldiers killed in Iraq receive a 21-gun salute during a ceremony today at the Veterans Memorial in New Port Richey.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: July 22, 2008

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

A ceremony today 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 as a "steadfast and courageous soldier who was deeply loved by his family and many friends," a resolution from Pasco County commissioners reads.

Miller died March 29 from combat injuries sustained in Baghdad.

He was the son of Kim Miller of New Port Richey and Patrick J. Miller of Spring Hill. He also leaves behind brothers Michael J. and Taylor C.R. Miller and his fiancé Tara E. Nelson.

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

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, Mathes enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Iraq in November 2007. He served as an 88M truck driver.

During the ceremony, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard Griffitts read the resolutions honoring the soldiers at the memorial outside the West Pasco Government Center.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10167 of Holiday presented the colors. The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

For more photos of this event, or to post your own photos, go to suncoastnews.com, keyword: veterans memorial.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT