VFW honors longtime member
By Mark Zimmaro - www.phillyburbs.com
WILLINGBORO — Levittown Memorial VFW Post 4914 has consumed more than half of Bill Miller’s years and nearly all of his heart.
For the last 47 years, Miller has been a member of the veterans post on Creekview Road in Willingboro and has spent countless hours building the group into a proud organization.
After joining the VFW when it was only a 7-year-old organization, the past commander has been a mainstay among those who came and gone throughout the decades.
“I’ve just always been a VFW man, that’s all,” Miller, 82, said humbly. “It’s a great place and I’ve always liked it just the way it is.”
On Saturday, the retired Army Sgt. 1st Class was honored for his longtime service at the post, which included 27 years in the Army. The Vietnam veteran was treated to a dinner, speeches, and proclamations from Willingboro Mayor Jacqueline Jennings and Assemblyman Troy Singleton as nearly 100 people gathered to honor Miller. Many members and friends chimed in on how Miller affected his or her life.
Post Commander Larry Williams said Miller’s celebration was a well deserved honor.
“It is well deserved and he’s a perfect role model to follow,” Williams said. “He spent 47 years working and going to meetings and donating his services and his money to make us a viable organization.”
Miller said the VFW post has been like a second home to him despite the actual building taking a new form after. The original post suffered a two-alarm fire in 2009 but was rebuilt two years later.
“This VFW means a lot to me,” Miller said. “It’s where I started and this is probably where I’ll continue. I’ve been a lot of places, but this is it. This is my home and this is my home post.”
Jennings thanked Miller for his service over the years.
“Every time I come in here, I see you working, working, working,” she said. “You’ve done a great job here and you’ve been an asset to Willingboro.
Miller’s longtime friend Anthony Browning said the VFW brought them close together.
“Bill, to me, is like a father and a best friend,” Browning said. “He’s Mr. VFW. Whatever you need, he’s there and he’s always got your back.”