Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL), Chief Special Warfare Operator Zackary Wilson Miller II, 39, born September 5th, 1981 in St. Augustine, FL succumbed to his brief battle against cancer June 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach, VA with his family, closest loved ones, and teammates by his side. He was assigned to an East Coast based Naval Special Warfare Unit.

Zack spent the majority of his childhood in Columbus, GA and moved to Mobile, AL with his family when he was 12 years old. He graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in 2000, where he played baseball, basketball, and football; he was the captain of the football team. Zack was awarded a scholarship to play football at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS before transferring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2004. Zack was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Zack's athleticism and leadership aptitude in early life led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy in November 2004 where he first served as an Aviation Ordnanceman on board the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). On September, 1 2007, Zack realized his dream of training to become a Navy SEAL entering Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training in Coronado, CA. After 10 months of the most grueling and demanding training in the military, he graduated in June 2008.

Zack was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards and seven deployments. His awards include the Bronze Star with Valor and Extraordinary Heroism as part of an overseas combat operation. Additional awards include Purple Heart; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor (2); Joint Service Commendation Medal with C (Combat Conditions); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor (3); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal with C; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon (2); Presidential Unit Citation (3); Navy "E" Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal (5); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal (2); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2); and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Zack was known for his unparalleled work ethic that was only matched by his unending positive attitude, sense of humor, and charm. Zack was a devoted son, partner, friend, and teammate who imparted all his talents in his selfless service to our Nation. His legacy lives on through his immense love of all he held so dear. Read Zack’s full obituary here….