2021 Honoree
Utah Army National Guard
Iraq
Born in southern Utah, Command Sergeant Major Michael Miller enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1987, and completed Basic Combat and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Southern Utah is artillery country and home of the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery, Utah Army National Guard, where Mike served in nearly every organizational position from motor transport driver to unit supply sergeant to battalion training NCO. In 1990, Miller entered the Active Guard Reserve program and continued to serve in positions of increasing responsibility including Master Gunner, First Sergeant, and Brigade Operations Sergeant.
After mobilizing in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle in 2003, Miller was assigned to Fort Lewis, WA, in support of Cadet Command’s Leader Development Advanced Camp. In 2004, he deployed for eighteen months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as First Sergeant for A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery. The battery was stationed in Ramadi in the Anbar Province of western Iraq and was responsible for providing artillery support for main supply route security, forward operating base defense, and direct artillery support across the brigade combat team and division. For its performance during this deployment, A Battery was awarded the Hamilton Award in 2006, recognizing it as the best field artillery battery in the National Guard.
In October 2012, following assignments as the state Operations Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major for the Utah Homeland Response Force, Miller was selected as the 9th Utah National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, responsible for the morale, welfare, and discipline of nearly 7,500 Soldiers and Airmen in the Utah Army and Air National Guard. Miller also served as the National Chairman of the National Guard Bureau CSM Advisory Council from 2015 to 2017. Under his leadership, National Guard enlisted members throughout the country were motivated to continue their military professional education and leadership training.
In his thirty years of service, CSM Miller left a footprint of forward-thinking, progressive leadership that strengthened the enlisted corps of the Army and Air National Guard nationwide. He says, “My greatest accomplishment was to raise my right hand, wear the most recognized, professional uniform in the world, and serve with many remarkable giants.” Among his many decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.