Shields & Stripes was honored to host our inaugural Ambassador, Retired U.S. Army General Austin “Scott” Miller at our August program held at EXOS in Phoenix, AZ. With nearly 40 years of service in the U.S. Army, General Miller is one of the most respected leaders in Army history. He held command at every grade and was likely one of the most deployed leaders in the Global War on Terror. He is known for his leadership of the NATO Resolute Support Mission and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, leadership in numerous combat actions including the Battle of Mogadishu, and for his successful efforts to integrate women into the U.S. Army Ranger School.
In Phoenix, General Miller saw firsthand how our program supports veterans and first responders. He spent the day with our Chairman of the Board, Rory Berke touring the EXOS facility and exchanging stories with our eight current Shields & Stripes Athletes. This first phase of our program, one month in-person, is crucial to laying the foundation for healing in a supportive environment. Following this phase, the Athletes will transition to two months of telehealth, from home, to continue their progress.
“Standing in front of my former MAJCOM commander to discuss the future of our nonprofit is something I never could have imagined five years ago. We are incredibly grateful to have him on our team”
Our Commitment
During his visit, General Miller observed key elements of our program, including customized training sessions and mental health therapies. His active participation demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding and supporting our mission. While visiting with the Athletes throughout the day and in the evening at dinner, General Miller shared his own story about transitioning from the military, and he talked about his strategies for thriving after military service, which include regular exercise focused on functional fitness, eating well, and getting enough sleep. In addition to seeing the facilities and meeting with the Athletes, General Miller spent time with the Shields & Stripes’ onsite team discussing the current program. He also met with our executive leadership team to discuss the future of Shields & Stripes and explore ways to enhance our program. His feedback and support are crucial as we work to expand our impact. We are grateful for General Miller’s continued support of our program. His contributions help us spread awareness of our mission to restore the lives of veterans and first responders.
