MILLER, HARLEY

Harley Miller was born on May 5, 1983, in Sandpoint Idaho and was raised in the Spokane Washington area. He received his high school diploma from West Valley’s Contract Based Education program. He was a skilled mechanic; ultimately, as a teenager took on the challenges of cars that everyone else said were hopeless causes, and would make them run again. 

In 2002, SPC Miller took those skills and ingenuity and enlisted in the United States Army and after boot camp and Advanced Individual Training, he was trained and certified as a helicopter mechanic, specializing in the OH-58 Kiowa Helicopter. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  

In 2003, SPC Miller married Sarah Ackerman, whom he had known since junior high school. They have a son, Korey, who was nearly 18 months old at the time of his death.  

Jeff Miller, his uncle, said Harley came from a family deeply rooted in military service. His grandfather, father and three uncles also served in uniform at various times, and Harley grew up with plans to join the Army. “He believed in the military,” Jeff Miller said. “He was a great kid. It’s a great loss.” 

In the Spring of 2004, SPC Millers unit was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On November 27, 2004 and airplane carrying SPC Miller and five others crashed into the snowy mountains of the Hindu Kush, in northwest Afghanistan. 

Harley loved his family and his God and country. Harley stood up for others, and hated seeing anyone bullied, which is one of the drivers for him to join the Army. He said that those people (Afghanis) were being bullied. Harley was very good at anything he set his mind too.  

SPC Miller was a person who would do anything for a friend, put a smile on anyone’s face, and believed deeply in his country. 

He lived 21 years, 6 months and 22 days. He is laid to rest in the Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SPC Harley Miller for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.