Memorial Day Letter 2025

On Memorial Day, we have an opportunity to honor the men and women who risked their lives in service to our country and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

This Memorial Day, as we approach the fourth anniversary of Zack’s passing, we want to honor the life, memory, and service of Zach and his dedication to our great country. Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Zackary Wilson Miller, II was a longtime family friend, client, and hero to Pete and I, as well as my mother Mimi, and sister Sarah Elizabeth. Zack’s mother Kimberly Flournoy Brennan and stepfather Daniel Patrick Brennan are longtime friends of our family. Zack was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer (glioblastoma), at the age of 39. Zack passed away six weeks after being diagnosed. Over the last 14 years, we have had the honor and privilege of praying for Zack as well as his Seal Team since Zack entered BUDS in 2007. While we never knew where Zack and his team were in the world, it has been an immense privilege to pray for their safety and success as they have traveled to the ends of the earth to protect our freedoms.

Pete and I had the privilege to attend the Navy burial ceremony for Zack at Arlington National Cemetery along with several hundred of Zack’s Navy Seal Teammates. It is hard to describe in words the deep and profound reverence and respect that was felt being present at such a solemn and sacred ceremony. To be among several hundred of the most elite and feared war fighters on this earth was truly humbling. These men loved, respected, and looked up to Zack, a man who was revered for his commitment to excellence, integrity, and selflessness. From the accounts of his teammates, Zack was a true leader, a man who put the needs of every member of his team above himself. On behalf of Pete and I, it is our great privilege to Honor Zack by sharing a summary of his life, what I am sure you will agree was A Life Worth Living.

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Zackary Wilson Miller, II, 39, born September 5th, 1981 in St. Augustine, FL succumbed to his brief battle against cancer June 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach, VA with his family, closest loved ones, and teammates by his side. He was assigned to an East Coast based Naval Special Warfare Unit. Zack spent the majority of his childhood in Columbus, GA and moved to Mobile, AL with his family when he was 12 years old. He graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in 2000, where he played baseball, basketball, and football; he was the captain of the football team. Zack was awarded a scholarship to play football at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS before transferring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2004. Zack was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Zack's athleticism and leadership aptitude in early life led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy in November of 2004 where he first served as an Aviation Ordnance man on board the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). On September 1, 2007, Zack realized his dream of training to become a Navy SEAL entering Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training in Coronado, CA. After 10 months of the most grueling and demanding training in the military, he graduated in June 2008. Zack was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards and seven deployments. His awards include the Bronze Star with Valor and Extraordinary Heroism as part of an overseas combat operation. Additional awards include Purple Heart; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor (2); Joint Service Commendation Medal with C (Combat Conditions); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor (3); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal with C; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon (2); Presidential Unit Citation (3); Navy "E" Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal (5); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal (2); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2); and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Zack was known for his unparalleled work ethic that was only matched by his unending positive attitude, sense of humor, and charm. Zack is preceded in death by his grandparents Zackary Wilson Miller, Rita McKenzie Flournoy, and Thomas Moffett Flournoy III, as well as his uncle William Frank Flournoy, and his aunt Kellie Jean Flournoy. Zack is survived by his parents, mother Kimberly Flournoy Brennan, father William Wilson Miller, stepfather Daniel Patrick Brennan, brother Joseph Thomas Brennan II, his beloved Maria Grey, grandmother Sara Sue Miller, uncle Jimmy Dwight Hill, aunt Helen (Terrie) Miller Hill, cousins Matthew Miller Hill and Amanda Kaye Hill, step uncles Thomas Joseph Brennan, James Patrick Brennan, and Edward Francis Brennan, as well as step aunts Joan Marie Brennan Licthenwalner, Noreen Brennan Pecsok, and Rosemary Brennan Black. Zack is also survived by his teammates, who he viewed as brothers, and his loyal canine companion, Boone, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Zack was a devoted son, partner, friend, and teammate who imparted all his talents in his selfless service to our nation. His legacy lives on through his immense love of all he held so dear. Zack was buried at Arlington National Cemetery August 12th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, or the University of Virginia Neuro-Oncology Research Fund. Zack had a profound impact on the many lives that he encountered in his 39 years. We at Peters Financial were honored to serve Zack as our client and more importantly to call him a friend.

As you know, the Financial Markets have been like a roller coaster the past few weeks. Pete and I feel strongly that this period of volatility will pass and that there is a bright future ahead for our economy, and that our most important job as financial advisors is to truly know our clients and to make their concerns our own. We agree with Warren Buffett as he has famously stated, "Don't bet against America". Our highest priority is continuing to earn your trust and helping you secure a bright financial future for yourself and your family. As always, please know that Pete and I are constantly monitoring the markets. It is our job to watch closely the daily ups and downs, so you don’t have to. Pete and I, as well as our team are here for you, so please do not hesitate to call.   

On behalf of everyone at Peters Financial, we wish you a happy Memorial Day weekend. We thank you for your business and the privilege of serving you.