María Elvira Salazar: “I wish to reflect on the life and service of Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Charles Luke Milam. Luke was killed…”

“I wish to reflect on the life and service of Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Charles Luke Milam. Luke was killed last Wednesday in a rocket attack near the town of Musa Qula, Afghanistan. He was 26 years old. Luke Milam was a giant of his generation, a man who served his country and those around him with dignity, courage, and honor. I cannot begin to paint the picture of someone so deeply respected by those with whom he served, so committed to helping others. Luke Milam grew up in Littleton, CO, the youngest of four siblings. He was smart, friendly, and athletic. He loved the mountains of Colorado and spent his time biking, backpacking, hiking, and canoeing. I do not know what inspired Luke's strong sense of virtue or what led him to join the military. Perhaps it was the service of his grandfather Charles or his brother Keith that moved him to enlist after graduating from high school. I imagine, though, that Luke's own experiences as a witness to one of the worst tragedies of our time, the shootings at Columbine High School, strengthened his resolve to bring healing, peace, and good to areas torn by violence.”