Since 2006, The Lake Orion Police Department has partnered with the Lake Orion American Legion Post #233 to annually select and honor a local veteran for their service to their country on Memorial Day.
This year, Lake Orion native son, Dennis Miller, who was born and raised in Lake Orion and is a graduate of Lake Orion High School, will be honored.
Miller met and married his wife, Joyce Renslear also a lifetime resident of Lake Orion. It goes without saying that the couple raised their family here, and still live today.
Each year, Lake Orion Police chief Jerry Narsh will lead the parade through downtown and Miller will ride with him as the honored veteran this year.
Narsh will read Miller’s service biography to the parade-goers and at other events on Memorial Day.
‘I have had the privilege of learning the amazing stories of bravery and courage in battle that so many everyday members of our community have endured for the cause of liberty, Narsh said. ‘What I have also learned is that these Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen are not every day Americans. They are our heroes. Theirs are the stories that re-create the battles and victories we often read about, and celebrate.
‘These are stories that need to be told. These men and women are the reason we pause, and remember.?
Narsh will read the following biography:
‘Dennis Miller was born and raised in Lake Orion.
After Advanced Infantry Training, Fort Polk Louisiana, and Jungle Training, Fort Sherman, Panama Canal Zone, Dennis arrived in Viet Nam in late April 1970 and was assigned to the First Air Cavalry Division, 5th Battalion, B Company. The First Air Cavalry Division employs extensive use of helicopters thus the name Air Cav.
Sometime in May 1970 the 1/5 Air Cav (First Air Cav. 5th Battalion) moved over the Viet Nam boarder into Cambodia. The ‘Cambodian Campaign? was ordered by President Nixon to disrupt the North Vietnamese supply coming into Vietnam through Cambodia. In June 1970 Dennis was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge when his platoon was ambushed by North Vietnamese. The loss was 5 dead and 8 wounded. The Combat Infantry Badge is only awarded to people who have engaged in combat. This is a day you don’t forget.
In November of 1970 Dennis joined E Company, a volunteer reconnaissance unit known as Echo-Recon and also volunteered to join their Point Team. This is a very small unit whose primary duty is to provide reconnaissance for the battalion and be a ready reaction force when needed. The Recon Platoon traveled light and quietly, and was inserted and extracted from enemy territory by Bell UH-1, Huey helicopters. Dennis spent the rest of his tour in Recon.
For the above activities Dennis Miller was awarded two special medals.
The Bronze Star: Awarded March 6, 1971 for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces.
The Air Medal: Awarded October 13, 1070 for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. This medal is awarded to those who participate in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory.
Dennis used the ‘G.I. Bill? to attend Michigan State University and graduated in 1974.?