Speaking at the Veterans Day Ceremony is Jeremiah Miller, a third-year business major from Boston, Massachusetts, who served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant Aviation Operations Specialist.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill will honor local veterans during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Schuylkill County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located adjacent to the campus. The program will feature several student and community participants, including Jeremiah Miller, a third-year business major from Boston, Massachusetts, who served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant Aviation Operations Specialist.
Miller said his journey to the military began with a desire for change and personal growth.
“I joined the military because I wanted to change who I was as an individual,” Miller said. “I knew the military would give me structure, discipline, and confidence — and it did. Serving taught me to advocate for myself, believe in my abilities, and embrace new challenges.”
During his service, Miller was stationed in multiple locations across the United States and abroad, including Turkey and Indonesia, where he served as a Marine Security Guard at U.S. embassies.
“Being overseas was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life,” Miller said. “It taught me how to adapt, communicate, and navigate cultures very different from my own. It also showed me how strong I could be in unfamiliar situations.”
For Miller, his seven years of service were transformative. He said he credits the Marine Corps with building his confidence, communication skills, and ability to lead — traits that now guide him in his academic and athletic pursuits at Penn State Schuylkill.
“The Marines taught me to speak up for myself, to believe in what I bring to the table, and to never doubt my abilities,” he said.
After leaving the military, Miller decided to pursue higher education — and his dream of playing professional basketball. His search for the right fit led him to Penn State Schuylkill, where he connected with Men’s Basketball Coach Travis Williams.
“I didn’t even visit the campus when I committed,” Miller said with a smile. “Coach Williams gave me such a genuine vibe that I knew it was the right choice.”
At Penn State Schuylkill, Miller plays on the men’s basketball team, works as a student assistant in the athletics department, and hosts “The Lion’s Den with Jeremiah Miller,” a social media series that spotlights student-athletes and their stories. He also works with Devoir LA, a growing streetwear brand founded by his roommate, Devin Adams Jr., which recently showcased at ComplexCon. Miller contributes to the brand’s development and outreach as a founding partner and strategist.
His drive, he said, stems from three core values: action, ambition and resilience.
“If you have action, you’ll go after what you want,” he said. “If you have ambition, you’ll see the plan through. And if you’re resilient, no matter what setbacks you face, you’ll always come out on top.”
Miller said Veterans Day holds deep personal meaning for him — not only as a Marine veteran, but as someone who feels the call to continue serving others.
“Being a veteran is a big part of who I am,” Miller said. “Veterans Day is a time to give thanks to those who served before me — and to remember those who didn’t make it home. I want to use this day to remind others that every job and every person in the military matters.”
Lisa Cecchini, financial aid and veteran’s benefits coordinator at Penn State Schuylkill, organizes the event each year.
“This ceremony is one of the most meaningful traditions on our campus,” Cecchini said. “It’s a time for students, faculty, and community members to come together to honor those who have served our country and to hear their powerful stories.”
The ceremony will feature remarks from campus registrar Mike Verhagen, a U.S. Army veteran.
“Each year, we’re proud to stand beside our students, local veterans, and community members in gratitude and remembrance,” Verhagen said. “It’s important that younger generations understand the impact and meaning behind service.”
The program will also include a poetry reading by first-year student Allie Benulis, an elementary education major who will read “Soldier from the Wars Returning.”
“Veterans Day has always been one of my favorite events,” Benulis said. “Now that I’m a student here, it’s an honor to take part in Penn State Schuylkill’s ceremony and show my appreciation to those who have served.”
The event will feature additional presentations from Schuylkill Haven Area High School students T.J. Adams and Faith Krammes, the Pine Grove Area High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and members of Schuylkill Haven American Legion Post 38 and Veterans of Vietnam.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony to pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“No matter what branch you serve or where life takes you, the brotherhood and sisterhood of the military never leave you,” Miller said. “It’s a tough world, but sometimes you have to be tougher — and you’re never alone in that fight. OORAH!”
