Woman is 7th generation graduate of West Point

Google News, AP ^ | 05/23/2009 | MICHAEL HILL

[iowamark]

Caroline Miller, a saber in her white-gloved hand, leads cadets of Company D with crisp commands....

She also is following in the footsteps of family members who have marched just like this for seven generations, forming a long gray bloodline, longer than any still existing at West Point.

Miller's ancestors have fought in the Civil War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam. They have served since her great-great-great-great grandfather graduated when Andrew Jackson was president 173 years ago. Her father graduated here. Her sister too.

Such "dynasties" are not unusual at West Point. What sets the Millers apart is a direct line stretching across seven generations to Israel Carle Woodruff. An 1836 graduate, he was a topographical engineer who helped defend Washington, D.C., against Confederate forces during the Civil War.

Maybe the busiest of the bunch was great grandfather Fay Prickett, a 1916 graduate who served in World Wars I and II, chased Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa and ran a war crimes tribunal at Dachau.

Her father, Jerry Miller, graduated in 1973 and raised four daughters with his wife, Clare.... When Jerry and Clare Miller dropped off their eldest daughter, Kate, at the academy in 1994, Caroline was inspired. The 7-year-old girl saw the cadets marching and fell in love with the place....

After receiving her Army commission, she will take a break to get married. (He's a West Point graduate, naturally.) She then will train stateside before receiving an assignment. She said she is prepared for a likely deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq. After that, she might want to pursue legal training in the military or maybe come back to West Point to teach.

But she says she won't force her children to become the eighth generation at West Point....

[iowamark]

In this Tuesday, May 19, 2009 photo, Caroline Miller, who will graduate from the United States Military Academy on Saturday, and her father Jerry Miller, a 1973 graduate of the academy, pose in West Point, N.Y. Miller's ancestors have been graduating from U.S. Military Academy since Van Buren administration, forming a continuing Long Gray Bloodline longer than any in the history of West Point. Miller's ancestors have fought in the Civil War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam. They have served in uniform for most of the nation's history.

[Recovering_Democrat]

I salute her.

Hussein, her inept Commander-in-Chief, isn’t worthy to polish her brass.

[ottbmare]

Is it not outrageous to consider that a fine young woman like this—patriotic, hard-working, focused, determined—should have to take orders from someone like Obama, who has no love, respect, or understanding for the military?

[Rummyfan]

Great story. Congratulations to the newly-commissioned 2ND Lieutenant Miller.

[Does so]

I'd be in tears with pride—and I'm a guy!

[FES0844]

A great role model for our young girls.

[2ndClassCitizen]

Yes it is very frustrating to think that this treasonous Kenyan is in charge of our armed forces.

Right at this moment he is giving our enemies information and encouragement that is directly killing American soldiers and probably killing civilian Americans.

Do we/I really need more evidence than what we already know he has done?

[joseph20]

Woopty-do. Now go be an officer in some POG unit.

[DollyCali]

Hoorah for LtJG Miller! May the tradition continue..

future genraltions.. hmmm... no pressure but guilt! LOL

[Redleg Duke]

Impressive comment. I am certain your first sergeant would be so proud of you.

[Non-Sequitur]

Is it not outrageous to consider that a fine young woman like this—patriotic, hard-working, focused, determined—should have to take orders from someone like Obama, who has no love, respect, or understanding for the military?

No. Her oath is to her country and the Constitution and not to whatever individual happens to be in the presidency at the time. I'm sure she can keep that distinction clear, even if others cannot, and will respect the office if not the man.

[Non-Sequitur]

Woopty-do. Now go be an officer in some POG unit.

The fact that you might have to salute her someday is just pissing you off something fierce, isn't it?

[heartwood]

Not quite a direct line, as the family name has changed at least twice - Woodruff-Prickett-Miller - but very impressive all the same, seven generations of devoted service.

[MS_Steve]

Most Democrats boasting 7th Generation ANYTHING...... would probably be 7th Generation Welfare Recipient.

[DUMBGRUNT]

There is more to a spear then it’s tip.

[r9etb]

There is more to a spear then it’s tip.

Which is good, because some "tips" (coughjoseph20cough) are obviously not among the sharpest tools in the Army's shed....

[TWfromTEXAS]

A direct line does not have to be through the male side only.

[ottbmare]

I know she will—just like the Marines who salute respectfully when Obama gets off his helicopter and the Secret Service men who would die for him. The respect is due the office. Still, one wishes we had a leader worthy of that respect, a man who understood the orders he gives and feels a similar respect and gratitude for the people he commands.

[heartwood]

A direct line does not have to be through the male side only.
__________________

It does when women are not eligible to serve, as they were not for most of West Point’s history. A Westcott went to West Point; his Prickett son-in-law did also. A minor quibble against the article, which takes away nothing from the family’s service to the nation - and the wives sacrificed as well.

[chargers fan]

I knew plenty of guys like you (and still do). Hate to break it to you buy without the tail of the dragon the tooth can’t do anything. She has done very well at the academy. Be careful what you post. From what I see there are several West Pointers on Free Republic. Who knows, maybe one of them knows her and would take offense to your comments based on no background whatsoever.

[chargers fan]

Excellent point. I have great respect for infantrymen but there is so much more to the military.

I hope those guys that always say “Only two branches: Infantry and Infantry support HOOAH!”

[ArrogantBustard]

It’s outrageous to consider that the directionless 18 year old kid who from the wrong side of the tracks, who just joined the Army for ‘three squares and a sack’ (but who has, by so doing, committed his life to the defense of his Country) should have to take orders from Zero the Usurper.

[chargers fan]

hope = hate

[myknowledge]

He won’t like the usurper.