Jonathan Miller in uniform in Israel. Courtesy photo

Jonathan Miller’s IDF Unit contains soldiers from all over the world. Courtesy photo

By JONATHAN MILLER

My name is Jonathan Miller. I grew up in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2008. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2012, I traveled to Israel for the first time on a Taglit Birthright trip.

I had such an incredible experience on my trip and felt drawn to return to Eretz Yisrael. Less than a year later I realized my dream and enlisted in the IsraeI Defense Forces (IDF). This is my way of giving back to a country and a people that have become an integral part of my identity.

I currently serve in the Nahal Infantry Brigade, Granite Battalion. In October my company will be headed to Gaza. This means that we will be tasked with guarding the border and performing missions inside one of the most volatile areas in the Middle East. We will also be on the front lines if and when a resurgence of violence from Hamas occurs.

Unfortunately, the state of our gear is not up to the task. With the expense of Operation Protective Edge, the army is unable to supply us with new equipment. We are asking for donations to supply my entire platoon of 40 soldiers with new tactical vests, knee pads, and other necessary tactical gear. This upgraded gear allows us to perform our duties to the best of our ability.

The vests we will be purchasing are top of the line Marom Dolphin “AMRAN” armored vests. The cost for each one is $310. Even if you cannot sponsor a complete vest, every dollar will help keep our soldiers safe and healthy.

My platoon has a very unique make up of soldiers from all over the world. We have soldiers from America, England, South Africa, and all over Israel. Your donation will help keep us all safe.

Contributions can be made at https:////www.gofundme.com/e45s40.