Thirteen years ago, Greg Miller, maintenance pipefitter, described himself as mentally, physically and financially broken. He was in a battle with drug addiction and was ready to surrender the white flag.
“There was a moment when everybody around me was overdosing,” Miller recalled. “I’d go visit people on Saturday evening and on Sunday morning, they would pass away.”
Miller was fortunate to find his way into the Home of Grace, a faith-based addiction recovery center in Vancleave. Throughout his 130 days in the facility, he was dedicated to turning his life around and searching for a better purpose.
“My Home of Grace experience was about being reborn,” said Miller. “I was able to find out what was really going on inside of me. They taught me the tools of my Lord and Savior to find myself.”
After graduating from Home of Grace, Miller’s newfound faith was immediately put to the test. With only $100 in his pocket and the support of his family, he prayed for a job that would change the course of his life forever.
“I had nothing but a week’s worth of rent, so I had a week to make something happen,” he said. “I was just walking around looking for something and the opportunity for an apprenticeship came up.”
Miller went through the pipe apprenticeship program and worked his way up to become a maintenance pipefitter. He’s now responsible for starting engines and fixing issues related to pipes on the ships.
“My favorite part of the job is watching a ship leave because I know there’s been 10,000 people who put blood, sweat and tears into it,” said Miller. “To see the ship sail off with Sailors who will protect our country gives me great pride.”
The Home of Grace will forever hold a special place in Miller’s heart. After landing a job with Ingalls, he made a promise to help change the lives of those recovering from addiction, just like the facility helped change his. On top of frequent visits to share his testimony, Miller also helps graduates of the Home of Grace program land jobs, including positions at the place that gave him an opportunity.
“I sit with graduates, introduce them to the shipyard and help with their applications,” said Miller. “I’ve been in their shoes and this makes the next chapter of their lives easier.”
As he looks back on his journey, Miller finds comfort in knowing the Home of Grace and Ingalls Shipbuilding have two very important things in common: Mission and Purpose. The program is a symbol of hope. In the shipyard, the world-class ships built by some of the hardest working men and women on the planet, provides hope not only for sailors, but for the community and this great nation. So, it’s fitting a shipbuilder has found his mission helping others find their purpose.
“For 85 years, the shipyard has been taking care of people’s families and changing lives for the better,” said Miller. “It’s like stopping by the gas station. It fills my praise tank up knowing I play a role in making people’s dreams become reality.”
