July 16, 2011 – Richard S. “Dick” Miller, RS Electronics Senior Vice President as well as Brigadier General and Deputy Commanding General of the 38th Infantry Division, Indianapolis, Indiana, was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the authority of Governor Steven L. Beshear, Commonwealth of Kentucky. The honor was bestowed by Major General Tod Carmony, the Division Commander of the 38th Infantry Division, and Brigadier General Joseph Culver, Deputy Adjutant General for the State of Kentucky, at the Headquarters of the 38th Infantry Division in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels is the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and recognizes an individual’s contributions to his community, state, or nation.

The practice of recognizing Kentucky “Colonels” originated with Issac Shelby, Kentucky’s first governor. However, the award did not become official until 1932 when the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels was founded by then-governor Ruby Laffoon.

Past recipients include President Lyndon B. Johnson and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as well as Senator John Glenn. Other distinguished Kentucky Colonels include Elvis Presley, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp.

General Miller has served the United States for almost 40 years. During that time, he has served as Commander RC South located in Kandahar, Afghanistan for Task Force Phoenix III. He commanded all Embedded Tactical Trainers in Southern Afghanistan and was the Senior Advisor for the 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army. He served in Afghanistan from August 2004 until August of 2005.

General Miller has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, among them the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University and a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States War College.

RS Electronics is a wholesale distributor of electronic components, test and measurement instruments, as well as customized purchasing and inventory management services with headquarters in Livonia, Michigan. Founded in 1929, RS is an award winning company and a top-ranked distributor in the electronics industry. In 2011, RS Electronics was recognized as the Most Preferred Regional Electronics Distributor in North America in a survey done by UBM Electronics and Beacon Technology Partners. RS’ customers include many of the world's largest commercial and industrial businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Press Contact: Bill Matravers
bmatravers@rselectronics.com