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Steve Milbourn is one of the most recognizable veterans in Greenwood.
The retired U.S. Army paratrooper is the Commander of VFW Post 5864 in Greenwood.
His father and three of his brothers served in World WarII in Europe and the Pacific, so Milbourn thought it was his duty to serve his country.
He entered boot camp in December 1963 in cold Fort Knox, Ky., fresh out of high school and weighing 145 pounds. He was in top-notch shape and was trained as a 11B2P light weapons infantry paratrooper.
He served for 34 months, including 17 months in Vietnam, and received several military honors.
Milbourn received a Parachute Badge for 21 jumps from various aircraft, including a non-combat jump at Kontum, Vietnam in December 1966; Presidential Unit Citation for the entire unit, 101st Airborne Division for outstanding combat service in the 1st Brigade; and Army Commendation Medal for outstanding while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
He relishes his military service because he enlisted at 18 years of age and met people who were very interesting throughout the United States.
Among his more unusual activities, he took a bath in a creek and poured a concrete sidewalk about 20 feet from a General’s tent to his shower.
When the Gulf War broke out, he was ready to serve his country again and sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense, informing him that he would gladly volunteer to go to war. He received a letter and stated that they appreciated my enthusiasm but “this one was under control.”
It has been said almost 80 percent of Vietnam veterans would volunteer again to go to war, if needed. The Army officers, soldiers and paratroopers I served with were extremely patriotic.
“I was taught to stay focused; make sure I finished what I started, be on time and always be there for your buddies and your friends.”
Milbourn is married. He and wife Patti have three daughters who are members of the VFW Auxiliary.
The retired U.S. Army paratrooper is the Commander of VFW Post 5864 in Greenwood.
His father and three of his brothers served in World WarII in Europe and the Pacific, so Milbourn thought it was his duty to serve his country.
He entered boot camp in December 1963 in cold Fort Knox, Ky., fresh out of high school and weighing 145 pounds. He was in top-notch shape and was trained as a 11B2P light weapons infantry paratrooper.
He served for 34 months, including 17 months in Vietnam, and received several military honors.
Milbourn received a Parachute Badge for 21 jumps from various aircraft, including a non-combat jump at Kontum, Vietnam in December 1966; Presidential Unit Citation for the entire unit, 101st Airborne Division for outstanding combat service in the 1st Brigade; and Army Commendation Medal for outstanding while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
He relishes his military service because he enlisted at 18 years of age and met people who were very interesting throughout the United States.
Among his more unusual activities, he took a bath in a creek and poured a concrete sidewalk about 20 feet from a General’s tent to his shower.
When the Gulf War broke out, he was ready to serve his country again and sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense, informing him that he would gladly volunteer to go to war. He received a letter and stated that they appreciated my enthusiasm but “this one was under control.”
It has been said almost 80 percent of Vietnam veterans would volunteer again to go to war, if needed. The Army officers, soldiers and paratroopers I served with were extremely patriotic.
“I was taught to stay focused; make sure I finished what I started, be on time and always be there for your buddies and your friends.”
Milbourn is married. He and wife Patti have three daughters who are members of the VFW Auxiliary.
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