Tampa Tribune -- NEW PORT RICHEY - Pfc. P.J. Miller shipped his personal belongings from Iraq to New Port Richey because he was expecting to come home in a few weeks.

The 23-year-old was one of two U.S. Army soldiers killed in Baghdad over the weekend, the Department of Defense announced today.

"He thought we needed to be there," his mother, Kim Miller said. "He thought what we was doing was right and he wanted to defend our country."

It is unclear if P.J. Miller died from a roadside bomb or small-arms fire, the Department of Defense said. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kan.

His father, Patrick Miller, said he has been estranged from his son for six years. His divorce stirred bitterness in the family. On Tuesday, Patrick Miller said he regrets not spending enough time with his son.

"Unfortunately, I didn't get to know him better," Patrick Miller said. "It's a big loss that I have to carry with me."