Team Extra Space,

I am glad to have the opportunity to write a message to the team today.

As Americans, Memorial Day is an important day for us to remember all those military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. At Extra Space Storage, we have hundreds of veterans and family members of veterans who work on our team. It is another unique background that gives Extra Space Storage diversity of experience and strengthens our company. Memorial Day is an opportunity to talk to each other about what this service means to each person.

Team members who know me personally may know I served in the U.S. Army for 8½ years, spending most of my time in the military assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. I come from a military family, my brother a retired Marine, and my father a retired Air Force—Korean/Vietnam War Veteran—is now buried at Arlington Cemetery.

A few years ago at Arlington Cemetery, a few Brothers and myself from the 3rd ID were allowed to lay a wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier for Memorial Day. It was a very overwhelming and humbling experience to have this moment in such a sacred place to show respect and honor all our missing and unknown service members who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

For myself, Memorial Day is not a day of celebration, but a day to take time to remember and honor those who we have lost while serving their country. The hardest part about the life we chose to live as military men and women is losing our brothers, sisters, and family members. It is a day to remember them how they were. They would do the same for you.

Let us all take a moment this weekend to honor those who fought, to value and cherish the freedoms they fought for, and to feel gratitude for the country we live in.

Best Wishes, with Appreciation,

Rich Miller