NEW ORLEANS -- 4th Marine Division welcomed its new sergeant major during a relief and appointment ceremony held at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, March 16, 2017.
Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Miller assumed his post as 4th MARDIV sergeant major, fulfilling the billet previously held by Sgt. Maj. Daniel W. Fliegel.
Fliegel served with great honor and distinction said Brig. Gen. Paul K. Lebidine, commanding general of 4th MARDIV, during Fliegel’s retirement ceremony following the relief and appointment.
Fliegel enlisted in the Marine Corps on December 1986 in Northfield, Minn. Throughout his 30 years of service he has held numerous billets, including drill instructor, senior drill instructor, sergeant major for Headquarters Battalion, 1st MARDIV, and eventually becoming the sergeant major of 4th MARDIV in February 2015.
Fliegel has also been on multiple deployments supporting Operation Promote Liberty in the Republic of Panama, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia, and multiple deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has numerous personal awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with gold star, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and gold star.
During the ceremony, Fliegel thanked his staff and family for their continuous support. He also spoke about his respect and confidence in Sgt. Maj. Miller and his ability to successfully uphold and exceed standards associated to his new billet.
Miller, who previously served as the sergeant major for Combat Logistics Regiment 3 in Okinawa, Japan, said he plans to make sure Marines get the right training to prepare for the rigors of combat.
“I think it’s crucial to the 4th MARDIV to have the right person, in the right billet, at the right time,” said Miller.
Fliegel ended his remarks by saying, “Miller is a Marine with the perfect drive and demeanor to be in charge of a command this diverse. He is going to take the division to new levels we’ve never dreamed of.”