My role model is my great-great uncle General William M. “Bud” Miley. My family called him Uncle Bud. He was a career military officer who reached the rank of Major General. He also started the first paratroop division. In 1943 Miley organized the activation of the 17th Airborne Division. He was the sole commander of the 17th through WWII. He led them in battle on the Western Front, Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity. The first thing I admire about him is his dedication to duty and tradition. His brother, father, grandfather and two great-grandfathers were West Point graduates. General Miley graduated from West Point in 1918. One great grandfather was a graduate of the first class of West Point. This tradition is one that is seldom seen today. I respect anyone who serves in the military but I especially admire General Miley and his family’s tradition of serving their country. While at West Point he one a National Championship in gymnastics. We still have the trophy he received. After graduation from West Point he was sent to France to fight in WWI. After WWI Miley returned to tour with the Army circus as an acrobat …show more content…
A portion of Highway 389 in Starkville is named in his honor. The inspiration he gives me through dedication, tradition, love for his fellow man, leadership and bravery are all traits that make him a great role