MILLER, Robert James 1932-2011
MILLER, KARKOSH
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/16/2011 at 01:00:13
[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, January 19, 2011]
Col. Robert James Miller, "Bob," passed away on Jan. 17, 2011, at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, Va. At his side was his loving wife of 65 years, Carole Marie (Karkosh), and sons, Craig James and Scott Robert. He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Deborah, two grandsons, and a brother, Richard, and his wife, Julie, of Conway, S.C.
He was born April 27, 1932, in Waterloo, and was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Leona Miller.
Bob graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1950. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in marketing from Drake University, Des Moines, and received his commission in the Air Force on June 7, 1954.
He completed pilot training and received his wings April 27, 1956, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in B-29s and KC-97. He was then a Strategic Air Command combat pilot at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
Bob transitioned to KC-135 aircraft, flying tanker combat support operations through two tours in Vietnam. He was assigned as Chief Officer to the 449th Bombardment Wing at Kinchloe Air Force Base, Mich. He was then reassigned to the Atlantic Command Airborne Command Post as Emergency Actions Officer and Battle Staff Commander, Langley Air Force Base, Va. He then assumed a position as Commander of the 6th Airborne Command and Control squadron on June 14, 1979. Bob retired with 30 years service on April 30, 1985.
He earned Command Pilot status during his military service and many distinguished awards including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, AF Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters. After retirement he continued flying civilian aircraft for 15 more years. Bob enjoyed his lake home, fishing, boating, skiing and jet skiing with his family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drake University Athletic Club, Des Moines, Attention: Paul Morrison, or the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Nelsen Funeral Home, (757) 565-1141.
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