[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1295]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                    Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today I give tribute to an American hero 
who was killed in the line of duty while conducting combat operations 
for Operation Enduring Freedom in Barikowt, Afghanistan. SSG Robert J. 
Miller was wounded by small arms fire and died from these injuries 
sustained on January 25, 2008. His bravery and selflessness will be 
remembered and honored. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his 
parents, Philip and Maureen Miller, and all his family and friends.
  Robert Miller was born in Harrisburg, PA, and eventually found his 
way to the University of Iowa, where he attended his freshman year. 
Miller was an avid gymnast who aspired to be on the university's 
gymnastics team and was an enthusiastic fan of the Hawkeyes. After a 
year of attending the University of Iowa, he decided to enlist in the 
U.S. Army in 2003. He earned a green beret from the special forces 
qualification course in 2005. During his years of service, he has been 
awarded numerous medals including the Army Commendation Medal with 
Valor, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, among others.
  Staff Sergeant Miller was assigned to Company A of the 3rd Battalion, 
3rd Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, NC. He will be remembered 
for his courageous sacrifice and excellent work ethic. His mother 
Maureen said it best: ``We're proud of what he did, and we loved what 
we did. He died a hero.'' I ask my colleagues here in the Senate and 
all Americans to remember with gratitude and appreciation a brave 
soldier, SSG Robert J. Miller.

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