By: Spc. Cody Campana
301st Public Affairs Detachment
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Jon J. Miller was honored for his more than 34 years of distinctive service during a retirement ceremony Oct. 6 at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz.
Miller’s career began at the United States Military Academy at West Point in July of 1974 and represents a diverse combination of leadership roles during which he served his country in Germany, Uzbekistan and various locations throughout the United States.
Miller’s leadership roles culminated in his final assignment as the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Reserve Command which has the mission of overseeing the support of nearly 205,000 Army Reserve soldiers serving in missions at home and abroad in 23 different countries.
Chief of the Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, presided over the ceremony and commended Miller for his dedication and lasting impact on Army Reserve soldiers.
“Although Maj. Gen. Miller is retiring, his almost 35-year long, and exceptionally distinguished career will continue to shape Army Reserve professionals for years to come,” said Talley.
Talley said of Miller, “When asked what he’s most proud of in his career, his comments weren’t about medals, accolades, or personal mission successes. No… Maj. Gen. Miller said he is most proud and feels the most personal accomplishment when soldiers approach him and describe how their lives and careers have been positively changed, because of their relationships or experiences together. That truly is a soldier's general.”
Miller reflected on his many years of service during the ceremony and the ups and downs resulting from it.
“For me being in the Army, while not always easy or fun, has been challenging and exhilarating,” said Miller. “I have been the beneficiary of a great education, I have traveled the world, I have done things that most will only read about, and I have made great friends. So to everyone here today, and to the many, many more whom have provided such a rich life full of remarkable experiences…Thank you.”
Miller’s final comments to the crowd of soldiers, family and friends were of gratitude.
“Over the years, people have said to me ‘thank you for your service’,” said Miller. “I used to respond, ‘it’s an honor to serve,’ and it certainly is, but today I want to say thank you to each of you and to the wonderful institution that I have come to love and respect.”
Miller’s spouse of 29 years, Debbi Miller, commented during a recent interview about how proud she is that her husband has been so dedicated in the service of his country, and so concerned about the welfare of his fellow soldiers and their families.
Talley said he shared Debbi’s pride and reverence for Miller’s dedication to Soldiers.
“Though an educated and highly experienced soldier,” said Talley, “its Maj. Gen. Miller’s interaction with the troops that made him the soldier's general that he is.”
Date Taken: | 09.01.2002 |
Date Posted: | 10.06.2012 20:19 |
Story ID: | 95809 |
Location: | TEMPE, ARIZONA, US |
Hometown: | SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, US |
Web Views: | 1,479 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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