Franklin Miller awarded Foster Medal for national security contributions

In an award ceremony held recently at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Franklin Miller was presented with the 2024 John S. Foster Jr. Medal, recognizing his extensive contributions to national security, defense policy and international relations.

The Foster Medal, established in 2015, honors individuals who embody the qualities of John S. Foster Jr., including leadership, integrity and scientific innovation. Miller, a principal at The Scowcroft Group, is the ninth recipient of the distinguished award.

“The Foster Medal honors individuals who embody the qualities that distinguished Johnny Foster throughout his career,” Laboratory Director Kim Budil said, in presenting the award. “These include strong national security focus, inspiring leadership, integrity and scientific innovation."

Esteemed guests participated in the Oct. 30 ceremony, including former Laboratory directors, previous Foster Medal recipients and featured accolades from key figures in the defense and scientific communities. Johnny Foster, the medal’s namesake and former director of LLNL, attended the ceremony virtually at the remarkable age of 102.

Miller’s distinguished career spans more than 31 years in the United States government, including senior roles in the Department of Defense and the White House. He served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as senior director for Defense Policy and Arms Control on the National Security Council. At the White House, he was responsible for critical areas such as nuclear deterrence, strategic arms reductions and defense trade reform.

His efforts in maintaining and strengthening the U.S.-U.K. nuclear relationship and reducing nuclear arsenals were highlighted during the ceremony. British politician and former Secretary General of NATO Lord George Robertson praised Miller’s expertise, emphasizing his vital role in the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Frank is not only an expert on the mechanisms and mechanics of nuclear deterrence, but he is also known for his ability to communicate that expertise in a language that anybody can understand," Robertson said. “He is the living embodiment of the very special relationship between our countries, and it is truly fitting that you are honoring him.”

John Hamre, president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), highlighted Miller’s leadership in fostering trilateral dialogues between the U.S., U.K. and France.

“Frank has played a vital role through the years as the senior channel by which we and the British government talk to each other about nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence policy,” Hamre said. He has always been a reliable voice in the policy world to speak to the most important matters of nuclear deterrence and nuclear security. I'm very glad that after he left government, Frank has remained active in the nuclear community and in the policy world here in Washington, D.C.”

Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues at CSIS, spoke of Miller's mentorship, noting his impact on developing the next generation of nuclear experts.

“It is my huge honor today to share with you his contributions to mentorship and developing the next generation of nuclear experts,” Williams said. “Through conversations with Frank, he has helped reveal for me a deeper purpose behind the work that all of us do in the nuclear weapons enterprise and in this field. For many people just entering this field, those who are contemplating careers in the nuclear field often wonder, does what I do matter? As only one person, can I make a difference? And Frank offers the answer: yes, you matter, and yes, you can make a difference.”

Admiral Richard Mies, former commander of U.S. Strategic Command, described Miller as a "national treasure," lauding his contributions to strategic deterrent forces and his exemplary character traits.

“Frank’s iconic career in national security, particularly his unique, sustained, and selfless contributions to our nation's strategic deterrent forces, embodies the Foster Award,” Mies said. “He is an extraordinarily gifted and accomplished national security leader, policy formulator and strategy expert.”

Ambassador Linton Brooks emphasized the honor of receiving an award named after Johnny Foster. “Any of us who receive an award named after Johnny Foster are honored by that fact,” Brooks said. “This year, Dr. Foster ought to be equally pleased with this year’s award nominee. It wasn't enough for the Laboratory to award somebody this award on the basis of competence, but on the basis of Frank’s defining characteristic of his integrity.”

In his acceptance speech,e a Franklin Miller expressed his deep gratitude and surprise at receiving the award. “I am deeply honored. Indeed, I'm quite moved to receive the 2024 Johnny Foster award,” Miller said. “I feel especially honored today because, like many of you, I actually know Johnny Foster. We’ve been together on many occasions. I admire him and all he accomplished. Johnny, thank you for watching.”

Miller also acknowledged his close work with six of the previous Foster Medal recipients. “I have learned from each of them, and I acknowledge these giants in our field, well known to this community, giants who taught me a great deal in various endeavors we undertook together.”

The Foster Medal is bestowed annually by the Laboratory director on behalf of Lawrence Livermore National Security. Medal recipients receive a citation, a gold medal bearing the likeness of John S. Foster Jr. and a $25,000 cash award.

The ceremony concluded with a reception, celebrating Miller's achievements and his ongoing influence in the field of national security.