I have created a category for Robbie Miller so that we can track this hero’s story.

Special Ops Command
Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, 24, was killed in action Jan. 25 as a result of enemy fire while conducting combat operations near Barikowt, Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Miller was born on October 14, 1983 in Harrisburg, Penn., and his military records list his home of record as Iowa. He volunteered for military service and enlisted in the Army on Aug. 14, 2003 in Iowa City, Iowa as a Special Forces candidate. He went on to graduate the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2005, earning the coveted “Green Beret.” In 2006, Miller deployed with 3rd SFG (A) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his courage in the face of the enemy. He was also promoted to the rank of staff sergeant while deployed.

Miller’s military education includes: Warrior Leader Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Airborne Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Forces Heavy Weapons Course, and Ranger School.

His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.

Miller is survived by his parents, Philip and Maureen Miller, his brothers, Thomas, Martin and Edward, and his sisters, Joanna, Mary, Therese and Patricia, all from Oviedo, Fla.

Iowa City Press-Citizen
A former University of Iowa student who joined the Army in 2003 died Friday in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Saturday.

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, 24, died near Barikowt, Afghanistan from wounds he received during enemy small arms fire during combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom. A Special Forces weapons sergeant, he was assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) based out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

His mother, Maureen Miller, said her son lived in Iowa “very briefly,” attending the University of Iowa for one year before enlisting in the Army.

She declined further comment.