I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which began in April of 2004, is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos and provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died in support of United States military operations.
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken, 38, of Falmouth, Maine, was killed during an operation against al-Shabaab on May 5 in a remote area approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu, the Department of Defense said in a statement Saturday.
Milliken was a member of SEAL Team Six, a defense official confirmed to CNN. The elite special operations unit, which led the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, was on a scheduled deployment to East Africa for training and carrying out counterterrorism missions. The target in Somalia was a local al-Shabaab leader who had been involved in planning attacks against facilities used by US and African forces in Somalia.
A US military official confirmed that this is the first US service member killed in action in Somalia since 1993, when two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down and 18 American soldiers were killed in the Battle for Mogadishu.
“Senior Chief Kyle Milliken embodied the warrior spirit and toughness infused in our very best Navy SEALs. We grieve his death, but we celebrate his life and many accomplishments. He is irreplaceable as a husband, father, son, friend and teammate – and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and teammates. His sacrifice is a stark reminder that Naval Special Operators are forward doing their job, confronting terrorism overseas to prevent evil from reaching our shores.” Rear Admiral Timothy Szymanski, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.
Milliken graduated from Cheverus High School in Maine, where he was a track star, in 1998, the Portland Press Herald reports. He was part of a 1,600-meter relay team that set a state record during his senior year.
“His former teachers, administrators, coaches and friends pray that eternal rest be granted to him, perpetual light shine upon him and that he rest in peace,” Reverand George E. Collins, president of Cheverus, told the newspaper.
After graduating from Cheverus, Milliken studied at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 2001. He was also a member of the UConn Huskies track and field team, the Hartford Courant reports. He was a mid-distance runner there.
“Kyle was a glue kid, the kind of kid that didn’t just show up to practice every day, but made those around him better,” UConn track and field coach Greg Roy told the Courant. “His work ethic, perseverance and overall toughness was appreciated by everyone around him.
“Kyle was a great student as well, it really didn’t surprise me when he made the grade as a Navy Seal. The country has lost a great American and UConn has lost an alum who has made us proud. Our heart goes out to his wife and kids,” Roy said.
Milliken, who lived in Virginia Beach, is survived by his wife, Erin, and their two children, a son and daughter. His family issued a statement through the Department of Defense, asking for privacy.
“The Milliken family would like to extend their gratitude to the community for their interest in our beloved Kyle. He was a devoted father and son, a true professional and a wonderful husband. While we appreciate your interest, we ask you respect our need for privacy.”
Maine Governor Paul LePage said in a statement, “On behalf of all Mainers, to the family and loved ones of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken, there are no words that may provide comfort during this difficult time, but know he is a man we are forever indebted (to) for his service, sacrifice and protection of the freedoms we hold dear.”
Senators Angus King and Susan Collins issued a joint statement, “He defended our nation with bravery and with distinction, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. We hope that his family and loved ones are comforted in knowing that the people of Maine and our nation are eternally grateful for his selfless service.”
Senior Chief Milliken’s awards and decorations are listed below:
- Bronze Star w/Combat “V” (4)
- Joint Service Commendation Medal (2)
- Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat “V”
- Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3)
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
- Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2)
- Combat Action Ribbon (2)
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Good Conduct Medal (3)
- National Defense Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8)
- NATO Medal
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PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THESE DIARIES ARE READ BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE SERVICE MEMBER(S) MENTIONED HERE. MAY ALL OF OUR REMEMBRANCES BE FULL OF COMPASSION RATHER THAN POLITICS.