He looked at Heartbreak Hill which he had decided to challenge once more. It was no use to wait; either he would win or it would win. He had already run for three miles after doing normal calisthenics and now he was at the base of the hill. It was nothing more than a huge pile of sand. Granted, it was a very high pile of sand.
He used the corner of his shirt to wipe the sweat out of his eyes, took a deep breath and started up the hill. His legs churned as he tried to dig into the loose sand. He would make progress and then slip back.
Sweat poured off of his face as the sun beat down on him. Progress was painfully slow but little by little he was making progress as sweat ran down his neck. It seemed to be taking a lifetime as the lactic acid built up in his muscles causing them to burn. Still, he pumped his legs harder. He was not going to let this damn pile of sand break his heart.
Agonizingly slowly, he advanced until he could almost see over the top. His legs were on fire and each time he dug into the sand he thought about giving up but it was only momentary. No way was he going to quit at this point. Finally, his lungs sucking warm air, he reached the top. He bent over with his hands on his knees, trying to suck in as much air as his lungs could hold. Sweat poured off of his face and formed a small damp spot on the sand. He turned and looked down the hill.
It was disappointing. It didn’t look nearly as high from where he now stood. He used his shirt once again to wipe his face but it did little good. It was soaked through with perspiration.
Born Thomas Warren Miller in Illinois, he had grown up to be a good looking boy who had not only a bright mind but a great sense of humor. He seemed to find a way to get along with everyone. Not as big as some of his classmates in height, he made up for it in personality. He could always find some amusing anecdote just about the time everyone else was ready to give up.
When he had graduated from the University of Illinois as a mechanical engineer, he still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. Finally he decided to join the Navy, a choice that was probably influenced by his grandfather.
It wasn’t long before he developed a strong interest in physical conditioning. His abilities combined with his quick mind enabled him to advance quickly.
He applied for, and was accepted by the Navy Seals. He had found a place where he could excel and sharpen his skills. The rigors of Seal training shaped him into a powerful and deadly young man. In every phase of the training he worked harder than anyone else. He was trying to both prove himself and to quench his thirst for knowledge. His talents and dedication did not go unnoticed. When he graduated from Seals training he was called in to see the Commanding Officer.
“Lieutenant Miller. You have done an outstanding job during your training. I am recommending you for the American Spirit Medal,” he said.
“Sir, thank you Sir.”
“At ease Lieutenant.”
“Sir, thank you Sir.”
“You can stop that Lieutenant. Have a chair. I have something I would like to discuss with you,” the Commanding Officer said.
“Sir…”
“Stop. Just sit down. No more of the Sir stuff for now. Can you do that Lieutenant?”
No one knew better than the Commanding Officer of how hard it was to break that habit. It had been drilled into them every day. Miller finally relaxed and took a seat. It was going against everything he had been taught.
“Miller, you have been more than exceptional in an area were exceptional is considered the norm. Every man who makes it through this program is a shining example of the best that the Special Forces has to offer. Only a few are able to excel even beyond our highest standards. You are one of those men,” he said.
“Thank you, Sir” Miller replied.
To him, all he had done was his best. He didn’t see himself as any better than his fellow Seals. With the exception of one or two of them, he felt they were all great guys.
“What I am about to tell you now is strictly Top Secret. You are to repeat this to no one outside this room.”
“I understand,” Miller said, dropping the ‘sir’ for the first time.
“The government has a special unit that only a handful of people know about. As good as the Seals are, this special unit is the cream of the cream of the cream. Very few are recommended for the program. I think you would be well suited. You possess the exceptional skills that are required to make it in that program,” he said.
“Thank you. That’s quite an honor.”
“Wait and see if you still thank me after you go through training. It is even harder than what’s been thrown at you here,” the Commanding Officer said.
“I think I’m up to the challenge Sir,” Miller responded.
