Kyle Miller
Kyle Miller enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2006
Berets, Grit, and Jiujitsu: Kyle Miller’s Military Story Isn’t What You’d Expect
From survival school to small-team missions in Kandahar, Air Force veteran Kyle Miller learned that real strength isn’t about always being tough—it’s about knowing when to push, when to adapt, and where to find your people. His story is one of resilience, humor, and moving forward with purpose.
From Arkansas to Afghanistan
Kyle Miller enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2006, drawn to its balance between structure and sanity. It took nine months and a waiver to finally ship out—and he did it while fighting a cold so bad a sergeant joked he needed a cigarette. Kyle embraced every challenge, earning his beret and graduating grueling courses like Raven School and survival training. “Chicks dig berets,” he joked—but behind the humor was real pride in proving himself, again and again, through sweat, discipline, and sheer determination.
A Team, a Mission, a Bond That Lasts
Deployed twice to Afghanistan, Kyle served on a 15-person team in Kandahar where the mission felt meaningful and the bonds ran deep. His best friend Jamie was the kind of teammate who “got the joke when no one else would.” The experience taught Kyle something he hadn’t expected: that war isn’t just combat—it’s politics, deterrence, and presence. He realized that military readiness is often less about fighting and more about showing we’re ready, capable, and willing.
Life After the Uniform—and the Lessons That Stuck
When Kyle left the service, he dove into business ownership with excitement—until the endless opportunities turned into overwhelming distractions. “Everything looks like a tradeoff,” he now says. His advice? Have a plan, choose with purpose, and stay connected to your people. For Kyle, that tribe is now on the jiujitsu mats—where sweat, struggle, and shared effort feel like home. Whether in uniform or in a gym, Kyle knows the value of showing up, standing strong, and finding meaning in challenge.
Hanks Coffee proudly shares stories like Kyle’s—veterans who lead with grit, grace, and good humor. Every bag you buy helps fund veteran-focused programs that build community, confidence, and connection.
