Retiring Air University vice commander, LeMay Center commander a witness to change

Teresa Miller applauds her husband, Maj. Gen. Stephen Miller during his retirement ceremony at the Maxwell Officers' Club, Jan 5. Maj. Gen. Miller's 32-year career culminated with the office of the Air University vice commander and LeMay Center commander.(US Air Force Photo by Melanie Rodgers-Cox)

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Retiring Air University vice commander, LeMay Center commander a witness to change

Published Jan. 8, 2010
By Capt. Jennifer Lovett
LeMay Center

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- After eighth-grade guidance counselor Edith Burkner told him how to get in the U.S. Air Force Academy, Maj. Gen. Stephen Miller followed his father's footsteps to the Air Force and never looked back.

Twenty assignments, 2,800 flight hours, three kids and 32 years later, General Miller leaves the Air Force as the Commander of the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education and Vice Commander of Air University.

"I couldn't have predicted the adventure or the opportunities I'd have in the military," he said. "Being able to attend the Air Force Academy and fly in the world's premier fighter, the F-15E, were definitely things that made a difference."

The Air Force changed significantly during his career that led him from Tunisia to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va.

"A couple of the significant changes that I've seen for the Air Force over my time is one, that my first year at the Academy was the first year women were allowed to attend and that was an important move toward progress," he said.

"Another is that it was post-Vietnam and not a time when the military was greatly appreciated. But now people are proud to wear their uniforms in public, and people respect and support the military. The transition to the all-volunteer service has helped that."

He met his wife, Teresa, in junior high school in Orlando, Fla., and married her the day after commissioning June 2, 1977, at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mrs. Miller has been just as active in the Air Force at every assignment during General Miller's career. At Maxwell, she volunteered with the International Officers' School and spouses' clubs, leaving behind a great legacy of her own.

"I'd hire Teresa," said Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, who officiated the retirement ceremony Tuesday at the Maxwell Officers' Club.

"Our children have also lived Air Force lives," said General Miller. "Our theme is 'The Retirement of an Air Force Family' because it has been about all of us over the last 32 years.

"We are very happy to finish up here at Air University," said General Miller. "This assignment has been very rewarding because we are developing future leaders, officer and enlisted, to meet the challenges of the future that the nation expects of the Air Force."

The Millers plan to redirect their energy and commitment to the community and continue to serve