Town says goodbye to Iowa ‘hero’

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By The Associated Press | Thursday, December 21, 2006 1:11 AM CST | () comments

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Pallbearers from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, carry the casket of Marine Lance Cpl. Clinton “C.J” Miller after the funeral ceremony at Nodaway Valley High School in Greenfield, Iowa, on Wednesday. Miller was killed by an improvised explosive device in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province on Dec. 11.

CRESTON, Iowa (AP) — Amid a cold, driving rain, Lance Cpl. Clinton Jon “C.J.” Miller was buried Wednesday afternoon in Creston, not far from where he was born.

Miller, killed by a roadside bomb Dec. 11 in Iraq, was laid to rest after a funeral that drew nearly 700 people who packed into bleachers and chairs at Nodaway Valley High School.

Pastor Bryan Anderson asked those who gathered to raise their hands if the 23-year-old Greenfield native was the first person they knew who “has given up their life for the country.” As hands sprung up, Anderson said that is why they will remember Miller, who died in a war so distant from many Americans.

“History will remember C.J. as a hero, who sacrificed and gave up for his country,” Anderson said.

Miller joined the Marines about 18 months ago. He was based in San Diego and was deployed to Iraq in September, serving as a military police officer.

Miller was well-known in the community.

Anderson recalled a church skit in which Miller played God, dressed in a black robe and deciding people’s fate at the pound of a gavel. He said Miller played the role with compassion.

It was how he lived his life, Anderson said.

“He was selfless, optimistic and filled with a sense of duty to both God and his country,” Anderson said.

Before joining the Marines, Miller was an assistant wrestling coach at Nodaway Valley High. In that role, he showed respect for others, referring to those older than himself as “mister.” Fellow coaches said students looked up to Miller.

Anderson said Miller’s wife, Jackie, remembered her husband as patient and loving — her best friend. They enjoyed singing karaoke and riding carousels together.

Anderson said Miller’s father, Kerby J. Miller, thought of him as “the ultimate son.”

Hundreds of cars snaked along for the 25 mile drive to the cemetery. At Orient-Macksburg Elementary School, students stood outside in the rain, holding flags as the cars passed.

Miller received many honors, including the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Purple Heart, which was presented at the burial.