Columbus, Ohio
This year, a valued member of our team and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran is taking on a new mission. Steven Miller will be running the Columbus Marathon to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. We are honored to stand behind Steven as he continues to represent values we hold dear - commitment, service, and leadership.
Steven Miller enlisted in the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school, several years prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks. What began as a desire to serve quickly evolved into a nearly two-decade career shaped by the demands of the Global War on Terror and America’s most defining military operations of the 21st century.
In August 2002, Steven deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/2 as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Persian Gulf. As Operation Iraqi Freedom launched in March 2003, the 24th MEU rapidly transitioned into full-scale combat operations, conducting amphibious landings, convoy missions into Southern Iraq, and establishing blocking positions to disrupt enemy movement. The unit engaged hostile forces, captured enemy combatants, and secured key supply routes essential to coalition operations.
Among the most significant moments of the deployment was Fox Company’s recovery of Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, a Marine missing from the Battle of Al Nasiriyah, and the successful seizure of Qalat Sukar Airfield. BLT 2/2 conducted numerous raids and vehicle checkpoints, capturing large caches of enemy weapons. They also played a critical role in securing Route 7 and helped stabilize the “Triangle of Death” during Iraq’s first democratic elections. Beyond combat, Steven contributed to humanitarian efforts alongside MEU Service Support Group 24—delivering clean water, medical aid, rebuilding schools and clinics, and supporting the local Iraqi population.
Throughout his 18+ - year career, Steven rose through the ranks while earning a reputation for mission accomplishment and leadership. In 2005, he was named Northern Ohio Soldier of the Year, a testament to his professionalism, military knowledge, and character.
His distinguished service is marked by an array of personal and unit commendations, including the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th award). He also earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Armed Forces Service Medal. Additional awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (3rd award), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, reflecting both his combat experience and commitment to sustained operational readiness. Steven has also been commended with 16 meritorious mast awards and four certificates of commendation during his military service.
Now a disabled veteran, Steve continues to serve in new ways—advocating for his fellow veterans, supporting his community, and carrying forward the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Join Steven in his fundraising efforts to help make a life changing difference for our nation’s most severely wounded veterans. Donate to Steven's fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project.