As a young man I had the privilege of being coached by “coach” Miller in Pocahontas Arkansas in 75-76. He allowed me to live with him and his wife when my father’s job transferred him and my family, knowing I had nominations to two Academies. He was instrumental in providing guidance as I navigated the important question of where to attend college...West Point or the Air Force Academy. You would think he would have steered me towards the Air Force, but he quietly asked questions guiding me to make my own decision. 
During my 4 months staying with him he spoke very little of his service to our country.  I could see a few mementos hung in the house, but he was very modest and never bragged of his accomplishments.
After graduating from West Point I made it a point to visit him in Denver. It was at that time that he shared a scrapbook of pictures and items from his service and gave me a very modest overview of the attack on the base where he was responsible for security.
I can honestly say Coach Miller was a godsend to me! He helped to develop a modest confidence in myself....thru his modest confidence in himself.   I will always be in debt to him for the traits of leadership he instilled in me as a young man.
God Bless
Walt Thomas
Pocahontas 76’
West Point 80’
Retired American Airlines 


I just found this on the Internet. Kent Miller was my uncle.  I was always proud of him serving in the military. I enjoyed reading all the wonderful things said about. I'm glad you all got to be friends with him.

When I was growing up my brother-in-law was always very thoughtful and kind to me.  I will never forget  him.

LtCol Miller was one of those distinguished military men whose name would come up whenever men gathered together to talk about the Vietnam War, especially TET of 1968 and Security Policemen who played a key part in base defense. Upon my return from Vietnam in Jan 67, I took an inter-service transfer to the Army CID and lost track of of my contacts in the USAF. After 20 years in the military and 25 years with the AZ Highway Patrol, I  found the VSPA and joined in 2004. That's when I began to hear members speak of LT Col Miller on numerous occassions. The VSPA is a very special organization of officers and enlisted men who shared that common bond of the war in Southeast Asia. Camaraderie, mutual support and respect are the hallmarks of the VSPA and Lt Col Miller was the essence of these qualities. At the 2010 VSPA Reunion in San Antonio I was able to spend some time talking with Lt Col Miller and one of my questions was where did he gain his knowledge of infantry tactics usually lacking in Air Force training in those days. He replied that he had served in the Army prior to going over to the USAF. I guess that to sum up my impression of Lt Col Miller is to say he was a soldier's soldier. A man you respected for his profesionalism and leadership ability; but also liked on a personal basis. As a side note, just last week a retired Army CID Agent who lives in Florida asked me if I had ever heard of Lt Col Kent Miller. He stated that he had served with him in Lakenheath, England (prior to going Army) and had been on the football team coached by Lt Col Miller. He said Lt Col Miller was one of the greatest commanders he had ever served with and he had just discovered he had passed away. Small world sometimes but good men are remembered.

Kent Miller was an outstanding commander, a fine friend, a role model for so many and a true supporter of the Vietnam Security Police Association (VSPA). He believed in and felt so much a part of our brotherhood. He was a life member, supported the VSPA financially, donated a life membership, attended reunions when his health would allow, and was a recipient of the Warriors Medal of Valor. 

There were many reunions where members attended just to see him again, to say thanks for all that he had done for them at Bien Hoa Air Base in the Republic of South Vietnam. 

Kent was personally responsible for one of the best decisions ever made regarding air base defense in South Vietnam when he arranged for 3rd SPS volunteers to attend Army Jungle Training. He used his training and tactical experience as an Army Veteran to conduct threat assessments, evaluate training and the squadron's ability to respond to those threats.  More importantly, he shared that experience with his troops and was the voice of calm on the radio when Bien Hoa was attacked on January 31, 1968 during TET.   

When the fighting was over after that long and horrible night at the beginning of TET, Kent never forgot that his men had saved Bien Hoa Air Base, that several had been wounded and that they had killed over 167 Viet Cong and NVA who had attacked one bunker in human waves.   Kent told their story until the day he died and he made certain that his men were recognized for their valor.  Captain Maisey received the Air Force Cross.  SSgt Pete Piazza received the Silver Star.  Marshall Gott and Luther Young received the Bronze Star with "V" and others received the recognition that they deserved.

When I think of Lt Col Miller being gone, it helps to think that he is now with his friend, Captain Reginald Maisey, who died that night in 1968.   

Visiting with this fine man in The Woodlands near Houston was always a wonderful experience because he was my friend, a brother in arms and a very humble hero who lived the life of a warrior who would never ever fail his men.

Steve Gattis

Lt.Col. Kent Miller was a good friend and a great commander.  He gave me the tools to do my job and enabled me to grow and excel.  I will always remember the advice and friendship he shared with me as my commander and friend.  I look forward to meeting his family today.
Marty Strones, Colonel USAF (retired), Clinton, TN 37716

On behalf of all the members of the 3rd Security Police Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam, our deepest condolences go out to the Miller family on the passing away of Kent.  

He was our Commander and Leader thru one of the biggest battles (TET 1968) that many of us had ever faces in our lives.  He made sure we were trained and ready to meet the enemy and stop them cold in their tracks.  

He will be missed at the many VSPA Reunions and AFSFA National meetings.  He is now in Heaven standing guardmount with all the other Sky Cops that have proceeded him there.

OBITUARY

Kenton Doyle Miller

December 13, 1928 – September 26, 2011

Cashner Funeral Home & Garden Park Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services