Delran council recognized U.S. Navy veteran Stephen J. Miller with a recent proclamation citing his service not only in the military, but in the community.
Councilman Lynn Jeney presented the document to Miller at a meeting on Feb. 13.
“(We) express our appreciation for Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class Stephen J. Miller for his service to our country and citizens of the United States of America, and commend him for his acts of bravery in the fight on terrorism and securing democracy,” the councilman read.
The Delran resident enlisted in the Navy in 1969 and was trained in aviation fundamentals and flight control, among other areas, at the Naval Airstation in Tennesse, according to the proclamation.
After basic training, he was stationed at the Philadelphia Navy base as an aviation middle smith airman apprentice and served with multiple units, including Attack Squadrons 42, 35, 85 and Naval Airstation Oceana in Virginia Beach. Miller also embarked on a six-month tour of the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS Forrestal in 1970. He then returned home to Pennsylvania to finish his term of enlistment in 1975.
During his six years in service, Miller earned numerous awards, including the National Defense Medal and a letter of accommodation for outstanding performance regarding execution of duty as an aviation mechanic.
Miller now participates in community service in Delran, where he has coordinated religious education programs at Resurrection Parish and volunteered for the St. Charles Borromeo annual carnival. He is also a longtime Scout leader of more than 25 years for Cub Scout Pack 17, where his roles have included assistant den leader, assistant pack master, merit badge counselor and Scout master for Troop 25.
“He still actively mentors and counsels scouts as they strive for the rank of Eagle Scout and engages in recruitment efforts and fundraising events,” Jeney said.
