Atsugi, Japan- YNC Michael Lee Milam, 35 died on May 27, 2013 in Japan. YNC Milam has served his country in the US Navy for 18 years. Funeral services will be at 12 noon, June 15, 2013 in the gazebo at Forsyth Memorial Park. Prior to processing to the cemetery the family will receive guests from 10:30 to 11:45 at the funeral home.
Chief Milam was born July 3, 1977 in Toledo, OH to Mr. & Mrs. Rex L. and Vickie Sue Coutchure Milam. He lived in Greensboro briefly where he graduated from Northwest Guilford High School in 1995 after which he made the commitment to serve his country. After graduating from basic training in Great Lakes, IL he reported to Naval Air Facility, Adak, AK and after the decommissioning of the Air Facility was transferred to Naval Technical Training Center, Meridian, MS. He then reported to Commander, Carrier Group 5, in Atsugi, Japan and was advanced to Yeoman 3rd Class Petty Officer. While serving at Nuclear Power Training Unit, Charleston, SC he achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class Petty Officer. His next duty assignment was on the USS Gary (FFG-51) home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. He assumed the duties of Senior Enlisted Advisor to Commander, Fleet Activities Detachment Ikego, before deploying to Afghanistan. Upon his return to Japan he was selected and advanced to Yeoman Chief Petty Officer. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with gold star), Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with silver star), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E”, Navy Good Conduct Medal (with four bronze stars), National Defense Service Medal (with bronze star), along with several unit awards.
He was honored to serve his country and although he was awarded several accolades and medals his proudest achievement was being a wonderful husband and an involved and loving mentor to his three children. He loved to play golf and always had the latest technological gadget.
In addition to his parents of Woodleaf, NC he is survived by his wife, Rumi Milam of Asugi, Japan and their daughter, Fiona; his son, Vincent and daughter, Emili Milam and their mother, Motomi Nipper of Yakuska, Japan; maternal grandmother, Vivian Coutchure of Ida, MI; uncles, James and Steven Coutchure, Dennis (Valentina) Milam, and Andrew (Flo) Milam; aunts, Diana Miller, Donna (Jack) Buckley, Linda Yates, Mary Milam, and Eileen (Ron) Turner; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William Lawrence and Emily Josephine Milam; maternal grandfather, Richard Paul Coutchure and uncle, Ron Coutchure.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in memory of YNC Milam to Wounded Warrior Project, 4200 Morganton Road, Suite 300, Fayetteville, NC 28314 or by visiting WoundedWarriorProject.org. On line condolences may be made to www.frankvoglerandsons.com.
"The Watch"
For eighteen years
This sailor has stood the watch
While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch
While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch
Many time he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there,
Needing his guidance and help, needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch
He stood the watch for eighteen years
He stood the watch so that we, our familes and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch
Today we are here to say
"Shipmate...the watch stands relieved,
Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.
Shipmate, you stand relieved. We have the watch."
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