Jenna Bush Hager has had a very eventful two weeks. The new co-host of “Today”’s fourth hour only started her new gig two weeks ago, after a tearful and tremendous sendoff for morning TV’s best-loved veteran, Kathie Lee Gifford. She hardly had time to break in her personalized wine glass created by a fan before Hoda Kotb was called away by motherhood.

Kotb called in last Wednesday, announcing the news that her second adopted daughter, Hope Catherine, had arrived into her heart and her arms. Jenna Bush Hager was as overjoyed as she could be with the joyous family addition, but she had news of her own that was literally bursting at the seams.

On Monday of this week, Jenna Bush Hager hosted her own baby news with her first-ever gender reveal event. The mom of two daughters and will welcome the first boy to her family in just a few months, and the first male grandchild to the Bush family. Meredith Vieira was on hand for a hug and seemed to be happily filling in for the maternity leave stint. Nonetheless, the news came on a bittersweet day for the “Today” family, with the revelation of Dylan Dreyer's secondary infertility struggles.

Today, April 25, however, Jenna Bush Hager and Jay Leno partnered up for a special delivery without any contractions or pain. The granddaughter of former president George HW Bush paid forward a very special possession to a very deserving disabled veteran and his family.

Stricken at sea

Everyone service person understands the sacrifice and commitment required when he or she signs on the dotted line for military service. David Miller knew early that he was born to serve, and he signed with the Navy just two weeks after his high school graduation in 2007.

The adventurous seaman was assigned to aviation ordination and thrived on the “travel and adventure” of his work.

He met his wife, Misa, while stationed in Japan. “She was the one,” he knew, and the couple married in 2011, and welcomed their daughter, Rachel, in 2012.

In 2017, David Miller was aboard the USS Nimitz in the Middle East. He was set for the seven-month deployment but developed a fever that turned disastrous. The high fever prompted a seizure, and David thought he was paralyzed.

“I couldn't walk. I couldn't talk,” he relates. He languished in the ship's infirmary until being airlifted to Bahrain.

He was diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy and ataxia, which left him with very limited mobility and slurred speech. He now uses a walker to get around and feels glad saying, “I gave my all while I was able,” and still exuding the same love of country and strong faith that motivated his service.

Unexpected honors for a hero

David Miller's daughter was talkative and cheerfully waving to everyone on Rockefeller Plaza this morning. The Miller family likely thought they were invited simply to discuss veterans’ issues before being told that Jenna Bush Hager and Jay Leno were about to make a very special delivery.

Jenna Bush Hager teased that Jay “keeps looking for a hot dog” as they drove up to the curb beside the family. Mrs. Miller politely bowed and shook the hand of Jay Leno, while Hager offered a letter from her grandfather to the receiving veteran. Braun Ability and Drive for Inclusion embarked on making the former president's secret service-ready vehicle ready for this veteran and his family. A wheelchair can be used inside the vehicle should Miller need one.

The Navy hero seemed truly overwhelmed with emotion once he soaked in the realization that the gift came from “the” George HW Bush. “George HW Bush-- I loved that man,” Miller spoke from the heart.

Jenna Bush Hager presented the letter from her grandfather, in which he wrote: “41 would be proud to know that a fellow sailor will take his seat in this van.” The remarks concluded with thanks for the recipient’s honored service.

Little Rachel Miller mumbled some happy words into the microphone, but her father simply reiterated his pure gratitude. “George HW Bush-- he was such a hero, and one of our greatest presidents.”

Jenna Bush Hager reflected later on her many rides with her grandfather in the vehicle, inscribed with his motto of “ceiling invisible.” This veteran and his family can now ride into the future with unlimited hopes along their journey.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED