A soldier who grew up in Alaska was killed this week in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense and his family.

Pfc. James L. Miller, 21, of Yakima, Wash., died in Dashat, Afghanistan, on Monday of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with a roadside bomb, according to the department. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

Miller's father, Nick Miller, said James was born in Washington, D.C., but moved to Alaska as an infant. He graduated from Chugiak High School in 2007. He leaves behind a wife and 18-month-old daughter, his father said.

Nick Miller said he is very proud of his son and his service.