Jack Miller. Millersville VFW Post Commander, family man, travel extraordinaire and a well-respected Veteran. You see his face at Post meetings, you might converse with him while sitting around at the Canteen; but do you really know Jack Miller beyond his Post duties?
Jack enlisted in the Vietnam War when he was younger. He began basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. From there, he traveled to Fort Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts for one year of schooling. After that, he headed to Vietnam. He served a total of four years in the service. His rank was E-4, he was considered part of the Armed Security and Military Intelligence. During his service, he also had the pleasure of working at the White House and the Pentagon. The work he was doing was highly classified and his unit was considered the “Spooks and Spies†of the time.
Looking back, Jack recalled his first thoughts when he enlisted and hit the ground running. He was just ready to help his country. The men got up every single day and lived it like it was their last. Jack said his communication with family at home was limited due to the technology available at the time. He would write letters and his family expressed how proud they were of him, yet highly anticipated his safe return back home.
After his arrival back in the United States, Jack fell into work with PP&L. He mentioned that there were days where he wished he was back in Vietnam because of the specially classified work he was able to be involved with. However, he also stated there were days where he would not even think about Vietnam because of the things he saw and went through while over there. It was mixed emotions for the fellow Veteran.
Going forward, Jack’s unit, which was very small, decided they would all get together once a year for a reunion in different parts of the United States. The men have kept that tradition all the way up to current day. They now bring their wives along for their trips as well. They served together; they became a close-knit family. Jack recalled how this was something he was very thankful for.
During their unit gatherings, the men swapped stories about their time in the service. Jack remembered one reunion trip where the group traveled to Vint Hills Farm in Warrington, Virginia. He said the people in Virginia were exceptionally nice, especially to military men. He recalled the group and him being treated as though they just arrived home from war. They were showered with acceptance and gratitude. This year the unit will get together in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Jack expressed his excitement for the upcoming trip.
Following his time of service, as Jack settled back into home life, he also joined the VFW in 1994. He originally tried to join the Millersville VFW first, but he was not allowed in. Due to the times and current nature of the world, the Vietnam Veteran was not seen as a hero by other Veterans that had served in different wars. With that being said, Jack joined the Quarryville VFW and was their Post Commander for five years. His job at PP&L involved a transfer at one point, and then in 2004-2005, he became Post Commander at the Millersville VFW.
Jack has been in his position at the Millersville VFW for eight years now. He looks at his title as being the person everyone at the Post can go to for help. Jack raised all seven of his brothers, so he has always taken well to a leadership role. He ensures that all staff and patrons follow the rules and the Pennsylvania law while working and being a part of the Post. He says he enjoys meeting new people that go in. He does not look at himself as ‘the boss,’ but as someone who can always lend a helping hand. He is always ready to help serve, which may stem from his time in Vietnam. His need to help has never gone away.
Over the years, Jack has witnessed multiple changes at the Millersville VFW. He recalls the appearance inside of the Post being drastically different. The canteen side used to have a wall that divided the bar from the dining area. He said it has come a very long way and it looks really good now. He is proud of the makeover it is has gotten.
Being that he is Post Commander, Jack Miller spends a lot of his time at the Post. He enjoys bringing his wife Deb there with him, they enjoy talking to the staff and the patrons. His wife Deb is actually involved with the Auxiliary portion of the VFW. Jack actually recalls his vow renewal being one of his favorite memories at the Post. He also had his surprise 60th and 70th birthday there. The Post has truly become a second home to him. He has celebrated many milestones there.
Jack enjoys bringing his family to the many different events at the VFW. He and his wife Deb have seven children and 14 grandchildren. Some of their favorites are the chicken BBQ’s, the DJ nights, and the Veteran’s Day show they put on for the Veterans. Jack likes to be able to give back and honor those who served just as he did.
Going forward, Jack commented on how he really wants to see more families coming into the VFW. He wants it to be a place of fun, acceptance and a place where memories are made. He also has a main goal set in mind this year. He wants more interaction between the VFW and the Auxiliary. He feels as though the Auxiliary does a lot for the VFW so he wants the two areas to coincide better. He wants the Millersville VFW to be nothing but successful.
Jack Miller. Millersville VFW Post Commander, family man, travel extraordinaire and Vietnam Veteran. You see him at the Post all of the time. But do you really know him? Sit down and chat. You will see there is so much more than meets the eye.
