Sergeant Gregory Lee Miller
(U.S. Army – Engineer Corps & Operation Just Cause Veteran)
Sergeant Gregory Lee Miller proudly served in the United States Army, dedicating eight years of his life to construction, engineering, and humanitarian missions across the globe.
His military journey began with four years of service in carpentry and masonry, first stationed at Fort Ord, California, for one year, and then in Hawaii for three years. During this period, he deployed to Johnston Atoll—a remote U.S. outpost in the Pacific—for a three-month mission where his team was tasked with building storage facilities for boats and base operations. With only about 50 troops stationed on the island, fishing became their favorite pastime and a welcome escape from the isolation of duty.
After completing his initial enlistment, Gregory took a brief three-month break in service. However, civilian life quickly lost its appeal, and he soon realized that his true calling was still in uniform. He re-enlisted and was assigned to the 536th Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy) in Panama as a 62J – Heavy Construction Equipment Operator.
While stationed in Panama, Gregory participated in multiple construction and infrastructure missions that directly supported Operation Just Cause—the U.S. military operation to remove General Manuel Noriega and restore democracy in Panama. His work played a vital behind-the-scenes role in rebuilding and sustaining U.S. Army operations in the region.
During this period, he also earned the C3 Identifier (Well Driller), expanding his skill set to include water-well operations vital for both humanitarian and tactical support. As a 62J C3 Well Driller, he deployed across Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana, and Bolivia, helping bring clean water to remote communities while strengthening ties between the U.S. and partner nations.
Three months before his end of service, fate stepped in. Gregory met the woman of his dreams, and after completing his enlistment, he joined her in Lovington, New Mexico, on December 26, 1992—just after Christmas. Having spent eight years in the tropical heat and humidity, he humorously recalls that he “didn’t even own a pair of long pants” when he arrived home.
We honor Sergeant Gregory Lee Miller for his skilled service in the U.S. Army Engineer Corps, his contributions to international humanitarian missions, and his dedication to the values of hard work, humility, and patriotism. His service stands as a proud example of American engineering, leadership, and heart.