Jerrod Miller
Jerrod Miller
Jerrod Miller, a resident of Decatur, Texas, proudly served in the Louisiana National Guard for 8 years, beginning at the young age of 17. Jerrod was a member of Charlie Troop of the 2-108th Cavalry Regiment, 256 IBCT, based in Coushatta, Louisiana. Initially serving as a Forward Observer (13 Foxtrot), Jerrod later transitioned to the role of an Infantryman (11 Bravo). During his time in the National Guard, he achieved remarkable accomplishments in marksmanship, placing 18th in the Louisiana State Marksmanship competition for service rifle and service pistol in 2017, and 12th in 2018 out of a field of 150+. For both years, he was honored with the Governor’s 20 tab. Furthermore, Jerrod received the Army Excellence in Competition for service rifle from the Marksmanship Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia. Rising through the ranks, he attained the rank of Sergeant (E5).
Jerrod’s service to the community extended beyond his military duties as he was activated multiple times to assist and protect civilians during natural disasters in Louisiana. In 2012, after Hurricane Isaac wreaked havoc in New Orleans, Jerrod’s unit was called upon to patrol the streets and safeguard establishments from looting. In 2016, when severe flooding plagued the state, he once again answered the call and participated in search and rescue operations for civilians as floodwaters rose throughout the night.
While serving in the National Guard, Jerrod pursued his education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology from Louisiana Tech University. It was during this time that he met his soulmate, Caroline. Following his graduation, they tied the knot and relocated to Texas. Caroline pursued her own educational aspirations, attending UTSD in Houston and graduating as a dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Eventually, they settled in Decatur to pursue their shared passion for rodeo.
Currently, Jerrod works as a Project Manager for Vaughn Construction, based in Irving, Texas, while Caroline serves as an Associate Dentist at Loretto Family Dentistry in Corinth, Texas.
In his spare time, Jerrod indulges in his love for roping, both calf roping and team roping. His introduction to team roping came through a military team roping clinic organized by Charly Crawford, which has now become a part of the American Hero Celebration produced by Liberty & Loyalty Foundation. Initially, he didn’t have a team roping horse and tried his hand at heeling on his wife’s calf/breakaway roping horse, Cleo (Miss Okie Cleo, AQHA). Over time, with Charly’s guidance, Jerrod learned to head and trained his current mount, Payday (Frosty the Smokeman, AQHA). The American Hero Celebration has provided Jerrod with the opportunity to connect with fellow veterans and has been a life-changing experience. Through Charly’s generosity, he has formed lifelong friendships and witnessed the strength and support that veterans and first responders find outside of their time in service.