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Army captain returns home from Afghanistan
Capt. Jared Miller flew Chinook helicopters during one-year mission in war-torn country

by Jeb Bing

Several hundred well-wishers from around Pleasanton joined in a rally to welcome home Army Capt. Jared Miller, 25, from a year's service in Afghanistan last week in front of his parents' home on Paseo Santa Cruz.

Despite brisk temperatures dropping into the 40s, the crowd waved banners and flags as Miller arrived in the neighborhood, led by the Warriors' Watch Riders motorcycle escort group that met him at San Francisco International Airport.

His parents Jan and Doug Miller, his older sister Ashley and his twin sister Reagan and her fiance Simon Maher joined in the tribute, led by Chris Miller and other members of the Pleasanton Military Families Support Group.

Also joining in the welcome home celebration were the Pleasanton and Livermore posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Lafayette Flag Brigade, Operation S.A.M. from Livermore, the Pleasanton Police Department represented by Capt. Eric Finn, Blue Star Moms of Danville and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department.

Pleasanton Vice Mayor Jerry Thorne also participated in the ceremonies, saying: "The men and women who wear the uniform of this country are among our most valued citizens and we are very, very proud of you. So on behalf of the City Council and a grateful community, welcome home."

During his year in Afghanistan, Capt. Miller flew Chinook helicopters. He said that as dangerous as his missions were, it is the military on the ground that's most at risk around the clock, getting shot at every day and with no safe haven to fly back to as helicopter pilots are able to do after their missions.