Amy Miller is the director of Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor Foundation.
LS.Net: Can you give everyone a brief background on the Lone Survivor Foundation and how and when it was started?
AM: The Lone Survivor Foundation was established in February 2010 by Navy SEAL (ret.) Marcus Luttrell to restore, empower and renew hope for wounded service members and their families using therapeutic support, health and wellness. Marcus was a part of Operation RED WINGS, a reconnaissance mission that was to be carried out in Afghanistan by a team of SEALs as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The operation resulted in the deaths of 11 Navy SEALs and eight Army Nightstalkers. Marcus was the only survivor.
Marcus’ experiences and his subsequent use of nature and outdoor activities to heal served as the catalyst behind the formation of LSF. The LSF team continues to follow the primary aspects of this unique healing process, which includes being in the outdoors, using unique therapeutic support, and always remaining family oriented.
The Lone Survivor Foundation restores, empowers, and renews hope for our wounded warriors and their families, using therapeutic support, health and wellness, inspiration, and nature, while emphasizing camaraderie, understanding, respect, and pride.
LSN: How did you become involved with the LSF? Were you in the military or did you come from a military family?
AM: I have not served in the military, I did always want to, however, life took me down a different path. I do have family members who have served. I got involved in LSF from a connection with the Boot Campaign. Through my involvement with the Boot Campaign I met Marcus and several others working toward the start up of LSF and making an impact for wounded service members and their families. The Foundation was at a position of needing someone on board on a full-time basis and I was looking for something that I believed strongly in and could pour my time, talents and passion into and the two seemed to fit together nicely.
LSN: What are your responsibilities with LSF?
AM: I serve as the Director over daily operational activities under the direction of the Board President. My primary role is developing our programs, fundraising, working with individuals who are interested in hosting events on our behalf and donor relations. There are 2 staff members, myself, and Savannah Holik, Program Coordinator. She works directly with the soldiers and therapists to schedule and set-up each retreat.
LSN: What is your favorite part of the job?
AM: Attending events and spreading the message of LSF and attending the retreats. Through my role with LSF I have met service members, both wounded and not. I am nothing less than impressed with these men and women and the sacrifices that are made daily. This all volunteer force fights for our freedoms, suffering loss, yet if asked would do it again. I am in awe at the caliber and character of those who serve.
LSN: What is Marcus like to work with?
AM: I don’t see Marcus on a daily basis, we live in different locations and he travels quite a bit. He is the first to tell you we are all a team. He is very honorable and respectful and I am fortunate to know him and his family and have the opportunity to work with him toward the success of LSF.
AM: I really do not have any accurate information. That is all negotiated between Marcus, his mgmt. team and the producers/directors of the movie.
LSN: What would you like to say to potential LSF donors and why they should help out with the cause?
AM: The LSF team is focused on executing the best programs, while creating an environment of efficiency and accountability. Funding for LSF comes from a number of sources including individual donors, donor advice funds, and corporations. Our Foundation is inspired and driven by those who understand the community we serve. We are unique in our focus to impact both the wounded service member and their family – who are also affected when a soldier comes home wounded.
