Joshua T. Miller
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
January 25, 1981 – December 25, 2016
Age – 35
Lansing, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
Became “One of 22 A Day” on December 25, 2016
Josh was born in Lansing, MI on January 25, 1981 to Elizabeth A. (Crowl) and Thomas R. Miller. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and nephew. Josh graduated from Haslett High School in 1999 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 2000.
Joshua Thomas Miller served as a Corporal and was a Landing Support Specialist in the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Marine Corps from 2000 – 2004.
The unit, known as “The Pride of the Pacific,” is a “forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine air-ground task force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations,” including special operations, according to the official website of the United States Marines.
After serving tours of duty overseas in both Afghanistan and Iraq, Josh was Honorably Discharged in 2004, and attended the University of California-Berkeley. Josh loved being outdoors in the wilderness, and used it as a way to help him cope with the memories of war. Josh deeply loved his son, who was the light of his life, and he looked forward to every moment he had with him.
He was the guiding light and protector of his siblings, even if he liked to pull the occasional “older brother” tricks on them. Josh was a shining example of the man his parents had hoped to raise, and the achievements he accomplished in life make them extremely proud. Much like his father, Josh enjoyed tinkering in his shop on projects ranging from rough carpentry to sensitive electronics. He was well versed in philosophy, physics, mathematics and science, all leading to his dedication to solve world issues such as the contamination of the soil after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
He disappeared on Christmas Day, leaving the Toll house home he shared with Megan around noon. Josh said he was going to the store, and that was the last time he was seen. Josh was located two days later in a remote area off of Big Creek Road, where he had taken his own life.
“Josh was one of the most intelligent people many have ever met,” his girlfriend Megan says. “He had compassion for everyone and always wanted to help. He wanted to bring positive change into the world and was actively pursuing that goal at the time of his passing.”
Megan wants people to understand that seemingly simple, everyday difficulties and common stress can trigger depression, leading to catastrophic results for someone who is already suffering from PTSD. That was the case for Josh, who family says struggled with the disorder since his return home from the military.
“The hardest thing about watching Josh dealing with his PTSD was that it took away from his happiness. He was fighting demons instead of enjoying his life. He was encouraged to seek help from all of his loved ones, but he did not.”
“If you know someone who is suffering, do everything in your power to get them the help and support they need. We never knew how deep his scars went. Most likely the people suffering will not show you.”
When it comes to Josh, the family emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and having help available for those who may have PTSD.
“We also want to stress how the VA is not assisting our veterans to deal with the trauma that happens in war. They are failing them during service and after. We need change immediately.”
“Josh helped everyone he could,” Megan remembers of the man she loves. “His happiest moments were when he spent time with his son, his family, when he was out in nature, and working on his projects.”
Josh’s father Thomas Miller posted on social media to say that his beloved son will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
“Josh was very proud of his service in the Marine Corp and his service to our country. We are devastated that the demons he encountered in Iraq did not remain there but, instead, followed him home, never leaving him in peace.”