Military-Friendly CCA Ambassador: Kathy Miller
When Kathy Miller, manager, Human Resources & Training Audits, boards an airplane, she looks for more than a good seat or an in-flight snack. And you probably won’t find her napping or engrossed in reading material. Now with CCA for 13 years, Miller has discovered a more fulfilling use for her travel time.
“I travel 30-plus weeks out of the year as a member of the operational audit team,” she says. “Because I travel through Dallas often, I come in contact with a lot of soldiers who are either on their way to or coming back from Iraq. Being the human resource person and ex-public information officer that I am, I just enjoy talking to people.”
In almost five years of work-related travel, Miller has spoken with over 100 military professionals and counting. “A lot of them have no idea what they’re going to do when they get out,” she says. “They’re focused on their immediate objective and they don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
For this reason, Miller uses those opportunities to talk to soldiers about joining CCA as a potential career option upon completing their service. “I tell them that they’re the type of people that we want to work for our company, and that with their dedication and loyalty, they would be an asset to corrections,” she says.
Miller also takes the time to simply show appreciation and offer encouragement. She’s no stranger to the heartrending separation military families face, since her son-in-law is now stationed in Afghanistan. “My heart goes out to military people and their families, and personally knowing what my daughter has to go through being by herself and maintaining a home with a two-month-old and an 18-month-old, helps me to empathize,” she says.
Miller recalls countless instances of showing that empathy.
“Once I sat next to a big guy about 6 feet 4 inches tall, and before the plane took off, he just started crying,” says Miller. “When he regained his composure, he told me, ‘This is the third time I’ve been deployed, and it doesn’t get any easier leaving your family.’”
But Miller always strives to carry on positive conversations with soldiers to help get their minds off the difficulties of being away from loved ones. “I can’t believe they just talk so easily to me,” she says. “I just kind of strike up conversations and ask about their families and children, and they just start talking.”
Miller once found herself on a flight seated next to a soldier who was on her way home to see her daughter. Suddenly, one of the plane’s engines blew up and the flight crew had to take emergency precautions to return to Dallas. Miller recounts the experience: “The woman began to cry and she said, ‘I’ve come all this way and now I’m not going to see my daughter!’ It just broke my heart.” Miller took her hand and consoled her until the flight landed safely. “I was so happy when I later saw her daughter run into her arms and hug her after landing in Colorado Springs,” she says.
But those are only a couple instances in which Miller was able to serve as a voice of comfort and encouragement.
“I see military people on almost every flight. Even if they’re in the terminal, I go up to them and take time to thank them,” she says. “I know these are good people, dedicated people who are giving up their lives and their families to fight for our country, so we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that we have, but they’re sacrificing so much.”
As military professionals continue their service to the country, Miller intends to continue her service to them. “I enjoy what I do, and I appreciate the opportunity CCA has given me. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t like it; you meet the most amazing people.”
by DeAndra Mack
Sound Out
Bobbi Jo Roscoe-Bryan at Prairie Correctional Facility:
This is wonderful to hear. My husband is getting ready for his 2nd deployment so it is good to hear there are people who give an ear to listen or a heart to help console if needed. Thank you!!!!!!
Jamie Norris at Diamondback Correctional Facility:
Thanks for writting this artical my son Andrew is 19 years old and doing his first tour in Korea. Just a country boy from Oklahoma and Proud to serve in the Army just like his father before him. And we miss him greatly!!!! Thanks Again!!!!!!!
Judith Carpenter at Kit Carson:
After following a career soldier around for 22+ years, its wonderful to see there are people like Ms. Miller who still takes the time to reach out to our military. Although my husband and I love our careers with CCA, our hearts will always be with the men and women in the military. Thank you Ms. Miller for caring enough to make a differenc.
Shanchell Brewton at Coffee Correctional Facility:
Ms. Miller consider yourself an angel to military personnel. Being a veteran and remembering how hard it was to leave my family for the 1st time, Ill never forget it. I was the last person to board the plane for trying to say my good byes to my loved ones. To know that God has appointed you to be the ear the voice they need you are truly a blessing to all. Continue with the encouraging encounters and God shall continue to Bless you!