Donovan

Husband and Best Friend

Gordie

Brother at Arms

CW3 Miller and I go way back. We went through Basic Training and AIT together - yet, when we went to Europe, we went separate ways.....but still kept in touch. I personally did four years and went my own direction in the Civilian Sector, but not "Chief Miller".

Here we are, 25 years after he and I met at Ft Dix NJ, and he is (still) serving as one of the highest ranking individuals in our field (Electronics pertaining to Military Intelligence).

He is my friend and brother at arms, but more importantly - he has dedicated his life to keeping this country free. I can think of no man (that I personally know) more deserving than Gordy to receive such a gift.....he exemplifies sacrifice.

Chris

The Wrenchin' Marine

After a tour in Japan (which included a stint in Korea), Chris came back to the good ol’ US-of-A and served with the 1st Landing Support Battalion (LSB) in Camp Pendleton, CA. We already have crazy respect for Chris, but here’s where he buries the needle: in 1991, Chris was attending the University of Souther California, enjoying copious amounts of sunlight and taking in the scenery (anybody who’s been to USC knows what we’re talking about). When the Gulf War broke out, the then-Corporal was called from inactive reserve to active duty, along with 5,000 of his brothers-in-arms to serve in Operation Desert Shield and its sequel, Operation Desert Storm. He spent the duration of the hostilities with the 15th Combat Replacement Brigade, and came home to the United States, where he’s now a successful Entrepreneur.

Kenny

Something of a Legend

Kenny is a brash, loud, rude and crude Irish guy (With that name ya think?!) from Long Island NY. I first met him when he got out of Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training and was assigned to me as his squad leader. At work he was a real pro, doing what was needed to be done, learning new skills and helping others learn. He showed up on time (Which is always early in my Army) and would stay late without prompting or complaint when the mission required. I was his Sergeant until I left the Army in 1997 –he’s still in, a Sergeant First Class now and probably headed to Sergeant Major and mandatory retirement when he hits that age.

A German Thing

We were stationed together in Germany in the mid-90’s and as part of the normal weekend safety briefing I warned my guys about the norms and customs of Germany and drinking too much at the Beer Fest that weekend. Kenny was a good troop, I was not awakened by a call from the Provost Marshall or the First Sergeant asking me “Do you know where your soldier is?” like some others I could name. BUT…he did come back to work on Monday with a new nickname: “The Naked Guy”. It seems he was drinking rather quickly and wasn’t quite ready for the generally higher alcohol content of German beer at the time. Somewhere in the evening a striptease ensued, ending with Kenny naked dancing on the table. Now, the Germans are much more tolerant of nudity in public than your average American, so he didn’t really cause much more than a good laugh to the locals, UNTIL… He was given a small teddy bear keychain from an admirer for his efforts and he decided than rather hold onto it, he would “attach” it to his nipple ring. Oddly enough this action caused uproar from on older lady in particular who began scolding him rather forcefully about it. Seems the toy could attract kid’s attention and lead them to believe such behavior was acceptable. –I dunno, must be a German thing. Anyway, his drinking and partying baseline was pretty much set there.

Among the ladies

He was something of a legend. His swagger and confidence with a bad boy attitude would more often than not get him just about any woman he set his mind to. He also had no qualms about pulling a woman from a crowd of friends or even boyfriend to join our party instead. “Kenny! Fetch!” pointing to a good looking girl anywhere became one of my favorite orders to give him. He almost never failed to bring the target into our circle and could pass her off to his friends so smoothly he made her think it was her idea.

A Fierce Fighter

Bar brawls among soldiers sort of expected on some level. I can speak from personal experience fighting alongside of him –I would always trust Kenny had my back. I have several stories to tell which may be too much for you to read here, but suffice it to say he has taken on locals, bouncers, and other soldiers and has always given at least as good as he got. The International incident involving a particularly vulgar insult against the Queen of England to the Royal Marines is a vicious rumor which will not confirm, but will re-tell anytime.

Decorations

In actual combat, Kenny was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions after his column was ambushed in Iraq. I wasn’t there, but the citations speak for themselves.

Kenny is certainly a man’s man –and has learned the harder work of being a husband and father. He may not get all the girls anymore (I know his wife, and she’d cut him) but I hear he still pulls them and passes them off to friends... He's moving back into his house near Fort Huachuca, I would really like a man-crate to come as an extra housewarming gift.