New clinic honors late MarSOC corpsman

Family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles “Luke” Milam said he was so humble that he would hate the idea of a building bearing his name. But, they said, he would love the toys inside.

Milam, a decorated special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman with MarSOC’s 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion and MarSOC “Operator of the Year” for 2006, was killed in combat on Sept. 25, 2007, in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. On Friday, Marine Corps and Navy officials and Milam’s family met to dedicate MarSOC’s first consolidated medical battalion aid station, named in his honor.

The facility, which will provide primary medical and dental care to active duty MarSOC Marines and sailors, includes doctor’s offices, examination rooms, x-ray, physical therapy, and a pharmacy, as well as emergency access. Officials in attendance said it was a fitting tribute to a man who spent his final moments fighting to save the lives of other troops.

“It is difficult to imagine those final moments when, in the midst of the confusion and chaos of combat, an individual will rush to the sound of the guns; when an individual will place himself between a wounded comrade and the bullets and blades of the enemy; when an individual will stand firm in the face of overwhelming odds knowing that the victory he gains will be victory for those who remain after he falls,” MarSOC commander, Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre, said.

And yet, he said, that is exactly what Milam chose to do.

While clearing a Taliban defensive stronghold, the corpsman came under enemy fire, according to his citation. By exposing himself and returning machine gun fire, he allowed a number of Special Forces troops to maneuver to safer positions. And in the process, Milam sacrificed his own life.

“Luke gave his life in service, and his story helps me understand what we mean when we say, ‘They made the ultimate sacrifice,’” Lefebvre said.

Milam’s father, Michael Milam, said that his son had such commitment to his medical craft that he would be able to appreciate the tribute of the new clinic.

“This is something that Luke would like to have his name on, because of all the toys inside,” he said.

His mother, Ri Milam, agreed.

“He would think it was great for his Marines,” she said. “I think he would be very proud of MarSOC and where they’ve come.”

At the front entrance to the clinic will hang a large plaque bearing Milam’s image and story, donated by Whiting-Turner, the contract company that built the facility.

Contact Hope Hodge at 910-219-8453 or hhodge@freedomenc.com.