SSG Rob Miller, Medal of Honor Recipient Update

[Colonel Dan, SASS #24025]

Several months ago a thread was posted concerning SSG Rob Miller being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. I have an update for those of you who had interest in that thread.

 

Miss Mary and I were most honored to have been invited by the Special Operations Command out of Ft Bragg to attend a Medal of Honor Headstone Unveiling ceremony held on 22 January 2011 at Rob’s gravesite here in Florida.

 

As Miss Mary I arrived, we saw American flags everywhere and hundreds of bikers from Nam Knights, Patriot Guard Riders and Bunker Bikers motorcycle clubs. They were all carrying American Flags and lining the street and pathway to the gravesite as well as respectfully circling the ceremony area itself and each holding a six foot staff with the Stars and Stripes. It was a most impressive vision and certainly a deterrent to any protestors that might show up as we’ve all seen on TV at soldier’s funeral processions.

 

The streets within the cemetery itself were filled with American flags as well as men and women in uniform everywhere.

 

Our car was directed into a designated parking area after which we made our way toward the gravesite.

 

As we approached, a Green Beret sergeant checked to see if our names were on his list and finding them, pointed us toward a graveside tent where a lady from Special Ops Protocol escorted us to our designated seats. I have to say that we were more than surprised by the fact that here we were sitting with several general officers and Governor Rick Scott of Florida.

 

The ceremony was attended by Admiral Eric Olson, Commander of all US Special Ops and members of his staff, LTG Mulholland, commanding General of US Army Special Operations and part of his staff, Governor Scott, former members of SSG Miller’s unit, a color guard from the Special Ops community, Jr ROTC members from the local area, dignitaries from all around Florida, the Purple Heart Society and vets from numerous organizations and eras, family and friends. It was a very big deal to say the least. Mary and I were overwhelmingly honored to have been invited.

 

As the ceremony began, the announcer informed everyone that the purpose of today's event was to unveil a special MoH marker on Rob’s grave. Our own parish priest then gave the invocation followed by the national anthem.

 

Admiral Olson opened the formal ceremonies with a nice overview of Rob and his actions followed by LTG Mulholland who described what kind of person and soldier Rob was and what he meant to his Special Forces unit and the entire Special Ops community. At the conclusion of his remarks, SSG Miller’s MoH citation was read—it was spell binding for everyone.

 

Rob’s parents were then called forward and along with LTG Mulholland unveiled the marker after which the Ballad of the Green Berets by Barry Saddler was played—there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

 

Our priest then gave the benediction and the ceremony concluded. Many then gathered around the grave to get a better look at the marker and talk with the folks there.

 

Having been invited by the Millers to a reception at their home following the ceremony, Mary and I had a better opportunity to talk with Governor and Mrs Scott, LTG Mulholland, Admiral Olson and other officers and NCOs there. I found that LTG Mulholland and I had several friends in common still on active duty but I did tell him that having seen the first three armored vehicles I was on as a young LT and CPT are now museum pieces, I was fully aware and accepted the fact that my era had long passed!

 

I found LTG Mulholland, Admiral Olson and Governor and Mrs. Scott very personable…the Governor and his wife much more so in person than comes across on TV for sure. I did take the opportunity to ask the Governor to stay strong...as in don't wilt under the pressure from liberals—I couldn’t resist the opportunity! Both he and his wife assured me they would.

 

The Miller’s had memorabilia, plaques and photos of Rob and the White House ceremony all around their home with the MoH itself prominently displayed in a place of honor as you would expect.

 

All in all, what a GREAT day! Even though the reason for it was the loss of one of our own, it was exceedingly uplifting, tremendously humbling and very meaningful.

 

Just thought you’d like a follow-up report.

 

Soldier on my friends…

[Utah Bob #35998]

Thank you for the update Col.

 

De Oppresso Liber

[Sergeant Smokepole #29248L]

He kept The faith. Being still on Patrol, we will meet some day...