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Washington, DC – From a young age, 19-year-old Miles Avery had an unwavering admiration for the Army, nurturing a lifelong ambition to be an Army Soldier.. The U.S. Army Birthday Festival, held on June 10 at the National Museum of the United States Army in Washington, D.C., offered Miles a unique opportunity to live his dream, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Miles’ journey towards his dream took a detour during his freshman year in high school in 2018 when he was diagnosed with leukemia after numerous bouts of severe headaches and multiple hospital visits. His life became challenging due to his health condition, but his resilience and determination turned him into a source of inspiration for his family, friends, and everyone who came to know his story.
“Miles has always been one of those kids who doesn’t complain about what he’s going through,” said Deborah Avery, Miles’ mother. “He just puts his head down and struggles through it. Because of all that he’s gone through, and is still going through, I think it’s been really meaningful for him to have this opportunity.”
Accompanied by his family, Miles made the journey from Massachusetts to the National Capitol Region for the festival. His visit included a tour of the Pentagon and meetings with key Army leaders like Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James McConville, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston.
McConville, in his speech, praised the United States Army’s ability to bring out the best in people, encouraging Miles by stating, “There is no organization on earth that can bring out the best in people like the United States Army,” he remarked during his speech. “You can be anything you want to be in the United States Army.”
The U.S. Army Birthday Festival offered a rich array of Army equipment displays, unique demonstrations, and performances by the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and the U.S. Army Drill Team. Miles was also treated to a demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and military working dogs, whom he had the pleasure of meeting afterwards.
As the festival’s guest of honor, Miles was bestowed an honorary promotion during a ceremony, officiated by McConville and Grinston, elevating him to the rank of sergeant for the day. “Miles has proven that he knows how to overcome obstacles and never quit,” McConville commented during the ceremony.
Presently, Miles continues his fight against leukemia, now in remission, displaying a tenacity and courage that reflect the Army’s values of resilience and determination. His admiration for the Army was reciprocated by Soldiers and leaders as they learned about his bravery and strength.
“There have been many complications along this journey, but I’ve learned to just take it one step at a time,” said Miles, when asked how he’s kept up his incredible spirit. “But the biggest thing is that I have my entire family behind me to support me. I couldn’t have done any of this without them.”
Source: US Army
