Shane Miller and his father, First Sergeant Dennis Miller, were granted permission to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died, in foreign wars and conflicts, without their remains being identified. All of the unknowns interred are recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by the United States President who presided over their funerals.
“I have had the chance to do a lot of things in my life: I have traveled to several different countries, I have lived in other countries, but I can honestly say that there is nothing that compares to laying the wreath on the tomb. I have grown up with the military all of my life, my father joined when he was seventeen years old. It is not only an honor but a privilege to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to pay my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and being able to share this memory with my father is priceless” said Miller.
First Sergeant Miller, a North Carolina National Guardsman, entered his 27th year of service this year. Throughout his career, he contributed to relief efforts after Hurricane Fran in 1996, which caused severe damage to the coast of North Carolina, Hurricane Katrina, numerous winter storms, Governor’s Inaugurations, the 2012 Democratic National Convention, multiple missions to Moldova to train the region in the Incident Command Systems (ICS) and disaster preparedness, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
After placing the wreath, First Sergeant Miller discussed military opportunities, North Carolina National Guard and Active Duty Forces with Miller’s FEMA Corps team members. He gave examples of the similar work that they do with disaster relief using ICS and disaster response. Furthermore, he discussed the North Carolina National Guard’s Adjutant Generals Plan for strengthening ties with different intergovernmental agencies, and how best to foster relationships and build rapports with FEMA, NCCC, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
“I was honored when my son asked me to assist in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The moments of the wreath laying ceremony are truly cherished, especially getting to spend them with my son; it is one of those proud moments every father dreams of having with their children. It hit especially close to home knowing that he one day wants to join the military. I had visited Arlington National Cemetery in previous years and had watched the Sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. The respect and honor that the Sentinels exude had always put a lump in my throat. They walk the same path day by day, knowing they are guarding fallen brethren, an American Soldier known but to God.” said First Sergeant Miller.
The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died, in foreign wars and conflicts, without their remains being identified. All of the unknowns interred are recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by the United States President who presided over their funerals.
“I have had the chance to do a lot of things in my life: I have traveled to several different countries, I have lived in other countries, but I can honestly say that there is nothing that compares to laying the wreath on the tomb. I have grown up with the military all of my life, my father joined when he was seventeen years old. It is not only an honor but a privilege to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to pay my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and being able to share this memory with my father is priceless” said Miller.
First Sergeant Miller, a North Carolina National Guardsman, entered his 27th year of service this year. Throughout his career, he contributed to relief efforts after Hurricane Fran in 1996, which caused severe damage to the coast of North Carolina, Hurricane Katrina, numerous winter storms, Governor’s Inaugurations, the 2012 Democratic National Convention, multiple missions to Moldova to train the region in the Incident Command Systems (ICS) and disaster preparedness, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
After placing the wreath, First Sergeant Miller discussed military opportunities, North Carolina National Guard and Active Duty Forces with Miller’s FEMA Corps team members. He gave examples of the similar work that they do with disaster relief using ICS and disaster response. Furthermore, he discussed the North Carolina National Guard’s Adjutant Generals Plan for strengthening ties with different intergovernmental agencies, and how best to foster relationships and build rapports with FEMA, NCCC, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
“I was honored when my son asked me to assist in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The moments of the wreath laying ceremony are truly cherished, especially getting to spend them with my son; it is one of those proud moments every father dreams of having with their children. It hit especially close to home knowing that he one day wants to join the military. I had visited Arlington National Cemetery in previous years and had watched the Sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. The respect and honor that the Sentinels exude had always put a lump in my throat. They walk the same path day by day, knowing they are guarding fallen brethren, an American Soldier known but to God.” said First Sergeant Miller.