Date: 11/27/2004
Rank: Specialist
Branch: U.S. Army
Operation: Operation Enduring Freedom
Harley David Ronald Miller, 21 year-old, Army Specialist, Task Force Saber D Troop 3-4
Cavalry of E. Spokane Valley, Washington went to be with his Lord and Savior November 27, 2004 while serving his country in Bamian, Afghanistan.
Harley was born May 5, 1983 to Damon and Christine Miller in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was a happy and mischievous young man who loved cars, computers, the men with whom he served and his family.
Harley’s caring and thoughtfulness amazed even those who only knew him by the stories his mother would share. His wish for the holidays was not for himself but for those he served with. He wanted to prepare and serve an “authentic” holiday meal to help ease in some small way, the emptiness of being so far away from loved ones during this holiday season. Harley recruited his mom in collecting enough food and treats to feed his entire unit. The menu consisted of ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, pumpkin and sweet potato fries, and chocolate pudding. In his honor, the unit will be preparing and serving this meal on Christmas day. The first boxes were arriving the week of Harley’s passing. Harley’s final thoughts were of his wife Sarah. On the morning of the fatal flight the phones were down so Harley used his second favorite means of communication, e-mail. In this e-mail he told his mom that he was well; he was on his way back to his unit; and to tell Sarah he loved her. He signed off with his usual, “love you bunches.”
Harley is survived by his wife, Sarah; son, Korey; mother, Christine; father, Damon; sisters, Autumn, Lynnea and Amber; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.