Fallen Soldier, PFC Johnathon Millican, Had a Father Who Is Also a Hero

ALABAMA-It is always an honor to realize that you live in a state that is the home of real American heroes. On January 20th of this year, Army barracks were ambushed in Karbala, Iraq, and four American soldiers were abducted. The kidnappers had pretended to be American authorities in order to gain entry to the secure area. The four American soldiers were executed afterward, while abductors fled, being hunted by American troops.

One of the abducted soldiers was PFC Johnathon M. Millican, a well – loved native of Trafford, Alabama, who had just turned 20 years old. His family and an entire community suffered the loss of this man, who, as it turns out, was of a heroic character well before posthumously receiving the Purple Heart.

At the large-attended funeral of Johnathon Millican was a group known as the Patriot Guard Riders. Their mission statement can be found on the web:

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us (1).”

This colorful group of patriotic Americans is made up of dedicated people who lend much comfort to the families of fallen soldiers. They sacrifice their time and money to do anything possible to comfort families who suffer loss during the War on Terrorism. Made up of American Veterans as well as those contributing time who are not affiliated with military service, this group rides all over the country comforting and heralding the families of American soldiers who are serving or who have served our country.

Mitchell Millican, father of PFC Johnathon M. Millican, asked Tuesday that the Patriot Guard Riders take along with them on their future rides something very special to him. His son Johnathon’s Purple Heart:

Then I slowly opened the box which revealed Johnathon’s Purple Heart. Mr. Millican asked me to wear it on my vest for Johnathon and when I was ready to return it, to please do so with it covered in bugs. He presented it to me because of the riders that honored his son, a true American hero (2).”

It is a comfort, as well, to know that there are those in our nation, in our own back yard, who overcome distressing loss and sorrow and emerge still heroic in character and heart, carrying out what they believe they are led to do. It is not hard to see why Johnathon returned home on the day the WTC was attacked by terrorists, telling his father, “What these people did was wrong,” and stating that he had decided to join the military to fight terrorism. Clearly, when addressing his father on that historical day, Johnathon Millican was speaking to a hero.

Sources:

(1)http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx

(2)http://www.patriotguard.org/MediaPress/HomePageArchives/tabid/510/Default.aspx

Additional Source: Ron DeYoung, Maury, Tennessee