From our local paper today...
Rest in Peace SSG Miller, we shall never forget you.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2...edal10.article
White House to honor slain Wheaton soldier
Family will accept Medal of Honor at Oct. 6 ceremony
September 10, 2010
BY DAN ROZEK Staff Reporter
drozek@suntimes.com
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller took over when his commander was wounded during a 2008 attack in Afghanistan, directing return fire and intentionally putting himself in the most dangerous position to protect his men.
His heroic actions helped save more than 20 fellow soldiers and Afghan army allies but cost the 24-year-old former Wheaton man his own life.
Miller's parents will receive his posthumous Medal of Honor -- the nation's highest award for valor --from President Obama during an Oct. 6 ceremony at the White House.
"We thank God that Rob will receive the recognition and honor he deserves," his mother, Maureen Miller, said Thursday.
Her son, a Special Forces trooper on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, was the only U.S. soldier killed in the Jan. 25, 2008, firefight near the Pakistan border.
In a statement, the White House said Miller showed "immeasurable courage and uncommon valor" during the fighting that took his life.
When his unit was attacked, Miller "went out to an exposed position and drew fire to himself so his teammates could get to better cover," Maureen Miller said.
The dedication and courage he showed have helped his family members as they have come to terms with his death.
"We are proud that Rob displayed so much courage, skill and selflessness during his final actions," she said.
Rob Miller, one of eight children, was a 2002 graduate of Wheaton North High School. He was a talented gymnast and helped lead the school's team to the state finals his senior year, former coach Chad Downie recalled.
"He was always just a dedicated guy to his values and his beliefs," Downie said Thursday. "He really developed into an outstanding leader."
Miller went to the University of Iowa for a year, then joined the Army in 2003.
He worked hard, earning the coveted Green Beret of the Special Forces in 2005.
Miller also had a gift for languages, learning French and Pashto, a language commonly spoken in Afghanistan. He was teaching himself to speak Russian at the the time of his death, his mother recalled.
Miller loved the military and the close friendships he formed there, said Downie.
"He loved the camaraderie of being in the Army," Downie said.