HARLEY DAVID RONALD MILLER

Chris Miller received a visit the evening of November 27, 2004 that every mother who has a son or daughter serving our country in harms way, fears.  The Army came by to tell her that Harley David Ronald Miller, her son, was missing.  On Tuesday, November 30, her worst nightmare became her reality.  Harley’s plane had crashed in Afghanistan and there were no survivors.  Her “precious baby” had paid the ultimate price for our freedom.    

All those who love Harley feel it is important that the rest of us know who he was.  That he was not just a faceless, nameless soldier, who died in a country far away for a war many of us don’t agree with.  Whether you agree with this war on terror or not, the price many families have paid is unimaginable to those of us safe here at home.  This is the story, the testament to, not just the soldier, but to the boy who became a man.

Harley David Ronald Miller was born on May 5, 1983 to Damon and Chris Miller in Sandpoint, Idaho.  As a child Chris says that you first noticed him by his smile, which is evident in the earliest photos of him.  His smile could “light up a room”, and when you looked into those beautiful blue eyes it was almost as though you were looking into his soul. 

Harley was all boy, both playful and mischevious.  In grade school and junior high Harley was on the wrestling team. Chris recalls that the only phone call from the school Principal’s office was when Harley was in 6^th grade and had just joined the wrestling team in junior high.  “He never liked bullies, an older boy was bullying some of the younger kids so Harley and some of his wrestling buddies gave the bully a “swirly” (flushed his head in a toilet).  I was so surprised because Harley never got into trouble like that, but he hated bullies even then.” 

At 10 years old, with his neighbor Norm, Harley went from working in yards to working on cars, which he loved.  “He learned a lot from Norm.  He knew a great deal about cars and he loved it!” Chris shares.

Harley loved family, even though he was the youngest of four and the only boy, he always wanted to be the girls “protector” Chris says.  His sister, Autumn, the oldest is seven years older with two middle sisters, Lynnea and Amber.  Family meant so much to him that he made sure his return flight from boot camp went through the town that Autumn was getting married in so he wouldn’t miss the ceremony. Chris wants you to know, “He loved his sisters very much.”

Towards the end of high school he met Sarah.  After dating for some time Harley enlisted the help of his mother to convince Sarah she should become his wife.  It must have worked because they were married the very next day before he left for Hawaii where he was stationed.  “Sarah was a grade behind Harley and after Harley graduated he used to go and bring her flowers at the school.  He loved to surprise her.  He loved that girl!  Even from Afghanistan Harley found a way in October to send Sarah flowers at school, she has been attending dental school.”

To this union their son Korey was born. “Harley loved that little boy more than life itself.  He was right there when he was born, even cutting the umbilical cord.  When Korey was just five months old he would just stare, smile and giggle at his Daddy, it was as though his whole world revolved around Harley.”  After being gone a few months Harley expressed concern that his son didn’t seem to remember him.  “You go and play with him son, he will” was Chris’ advice.  A short while later Harley thanked his Mom for the advice and told her she was right.  Harley was extremely thankful that he was able to come home for Korey’s first birthday in July.  His family and friends consider themselves blessed for having those two weeks with Harley this year. 

Harley also had a passion for computers.  His family now cherishes the many e-mail they received while he was serving his tour of duty, In fact, Chris recalls receiving e-mail from Harley that was sent the night before his tragic death.  In that e-mail Harley talked about his other love, the love of the men he served with both in his old and new troops.  Harley was able to spend time with his friends the night before his flight back to his unit.  He told Chris “my wish has come true, I got to spend time with the guys.” 

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 pies, 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 that 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 Chris 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.”

Chris speaks of Harley’s love of the Lord.  Her firm belief that his faith has earned him a place in heaven.  The belief that, at least for him, he had a duty to protect our freedoms.  She also speaks about the legacy Harley will leave his son.  For those who knew him, or knew of him, his impact is profound.  Harley’s life, and sadly his death, has brought together many segments of our communities that would ordinarily not come in contact with one another.  From the Holiday Inn in Spokane to the car dealerships in Everett, to the private citizens who have donated both time, money and services the Miller family thanks you.  Someone once wrote “the true measure of a man is not what is said about him when he lives, but how he will be remembered when he dies”.

Harley David Ronald Miller was an Army Specialist with Task Force Saber D-Troop 3-4 Cavalry.  Although stationed in Hawaii his roots are based in Spokane and Everett, WA where he leaves a nineteen-year-old wife, 16-month-old son, a devoted mother and many other family and friends to mourn his passing.

Harley will be laid to rest Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.  Services will be held at Pines Valley Point Church with burial at Pines Cemetery.  Contributions are being accepted at any branch of Bank of America to the Harley David Miller Fund.