[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 149 (Tuesday, December 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1760-E1761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MASTER SERGEANT CHARLES E. MILLER
______
HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a
remarkable American Soldier, Master Sergeant Charles Miller, a resident
of Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Master Sergeant Charles E. Miller started his military career, June
1978, at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Master Sergeant Miller was in the
first group of Soldiers to participate in the One Station Unit Training
(OSUT), this program entailed Soldiers going through Basic Training and
Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) training, at the same military post
with the same Drill Sergeants. After completing basic training and his
military occupation specialty training in January 1978, he is now
qualified to be a Military Policeman (MP). Master Sergeant Miller was
stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a Military Policeman, with the
546th MP Company. After 18 months at Fort Sill, Oklahoma Master
Sergeant Miller received orders to report to Baumholder, West Germany,
as a Physical Security Specialist. At the end of June 1981, MSG Miller
ended his time in service, receiving an honorable discharge.
In January 1982, MSG Miller re-enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix,
New Jersey, to attend Truck Driving School. March 1982, after
successfully completing the Truck Driver School, he was reassigned to
the 66th Engineer (ADM) Company, Fort Hood, Texas. December 1983, MSG
Miller was reassigned to Charlie Company 249th Engineer BN., Karlsruhe,
West Germany. December 1986, he returned stateside where he was
discharged with an Honorable Discharge.
Master Sergeant Miller still wanted to serve his country so he
enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, 479th Ordinance Company, Lyon
Mississippi. The 479th ORD. CO. was activated to active duty, September
1990 to support the Gulf War. The 479th Ord. Co., arrived in Saudi
Arabia, November 1990. In July 1991, the 479th ORD. Company returned
home to receive a Heroes' Welcome.
In July 2001, Master Sergeant Miller was transferred to the 412th
Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi. April 2006, Master Sergeant
Miller was called to active duty to support Operation Iraqi Freedom
where he was
[[Page E1761]]
stationed at Baghdad, Iraqi. In April 2008, Master Sergeant Miller
returned home.
Master Sergeant Miller took the position as First Sergeant (1SG),
April 2012, with the
4/323rd REGT, this is a Drill Sergeant Unit, U.S. Army Reserve. Master
Sergeant Miller recalls when he was stationed in Germany, assigned to
the 249th ENG BN, his First Sergeant at the time asked him if he wanted
to go to Drill Sergeant School and he declined. Master Sergeant Miller
wishes today that his First Sergeant would have asked him several times
and given him more information on becoming a Drill Sergeant. In the
reserve component the First Sergeant is just the manager of the unit,
he or she does not have to be a Drill Sergeant.
As of March 17, 2014, Master Sergeant Miller is now re-assigned to
the 412th Theater Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi. He speaks
highly about the 412th Theater Command, he says, he is now back home.
Master Sergeant Miller is fully aware that his military career is now
coming to an end, and when he does retire it will be a difficult
transition. Serving in the military was never a mistake to him, it is a
privilege which he is so glad that he took advantage of to serve our
great country.
Master Sergeant Miller has numerous military occupation specialties,
he is qualified as an Army Maintenance Management System Clerk,
Prescribed Load List Clerk, Ammunition Specialist, Transportation
Operator, Military Police, Physical Security Specialist, and Supply
Specialist.
During Master Sergeant Miller's military career, he has received
numerous awards, not listed in prestigious order to include:
Meritorious Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Army Achievement
Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Overseas
Service Ribbons, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Overseas
Training Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army NCO Professional,
Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Ribbons
and Drivers Badge.
Master Sergeant Miller is married to Mrs. Florine Miller and they
have 3 daughters: Lakechia, Tiffany, and Alexis; one son, French and 6
grandchildren. Master Sergeant Miller is son of Eddie & Evelyn Brown,
and Willard Hughes and has 2 sisters: Jackie and Shelia; and 5
brothers: Willous, Allen, Reginald, Michael and Willard.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a
distinguished American Soldier.
____________________