USAFA Class Histories

Jay Miller is a native Coloradan, born and raised in Denver. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Science degree in Pubic Administration from Auburn University. He served in both the US Army and the US Air Force. As an Army enlisted man, he served the Army Security Agency as a Korean language translator/interpreter in Korea. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, he attended undergraduate pilot training and was assigned to fly C-130 aircraft from Charleston AFB, SC. He later transitioned into the C-141 flying strategic airlift around the world. He was re-assigned to C-130s and flew the HC-130H/P/N in southeast asia including Vietnam. After returning to the United States, he taught at both the Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, TX and the Air Force Academy. He graduated from the Air Command and Staff College and began his last assignment as advisor to the Utah Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. He retired as an Air Force Command Pilot with over 6000 flying hours and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals and ten Air Medals. After leaving the Air Force, he was a program manager of space programs at InfoTech Development Corporation in Colorado Springs, CO. He worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Denver developing the curriculum for both the US Navy and US Air Force's undergraduate pilot training programs. Following the completion of those programs, he moved to the United Airlines Training Center in Denver and led the development and maintenance of their Airbus A320 curriculum for pilots. He retired from United Airlines in 2003. At the request of his granddaughters, he and his wife Norma moved to Rifle in 2004 to watch them grow up. Jay quickly immersed himself in the community as an officer of the Rifle Sportsmen's Club, member of Rotary Clubs International, Commander of American Legion Kelly Hansen Post 78, and President of the Homestead Highlands Townhome Association. Jay was elected to the Rifle City Council in 2007. To fulfill some of his responsibilities to the community, he became a member of the Education Committee of the Garfield County Energy Advisory Board, the Garfield County Senior Advisory Board, the Senior Center Advisory Board, and the Rifle Housing Authority Board. The Rifle City Council elected Jay Mayor in September 2011. He continues to serve in that capacity.