Marine Cpl. Ian M. Muller

Died March 11, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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22, of Danville, Vt.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 11 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

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Family reflects on fallen Marine’s dedication to service

The Associated Press

It’s hard for family members to picture Ian Muller in any job that’s not with the Marines. The young corporal from Danville, Vt., said he picked the Marines because it’s the toughest and most elite of the military branches.

But it’s a career he chose only because he was having trouble finding work around Danville, says his father, Clif Muller. He knew the dangers that came with his choice, and they scared him, the Marine told his brother, Ryan.

But after nearly four years, Cpl. Muller had overcome his fear and was dedicated to his job and fellow Marines. He was sent to Afghanistan in January and often volunteered to take the more dangerous lead position during combat patrols. He said he did it because many of his colleagues had wives and children, and he did not.

Cpl. Muller, 22, was killed in combat March 11 in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune.

Friends say Muller lived his life to the fullest; he enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, bodybuilding, soccer and track. He also played the viola and liked to cook.

He also leaves behind his mother, Suzanne Muller, four other brothers and a sister.