Thursday, March 28, 2024

Southlake Veteran Milan Georgia Receives Congressional Veteran Commendation

The endeavor of public service isn’t limited to those employed in the public sector. It takes every single one of us working together for the benefit of those around us.  

The Southlake value of volunteerism unites us with energy and passion to serve the community we live, work and play in. In recognition of Veterans Day, the City of Southlake proudly salutes those who served in the U.S. military and are still proudly serving their community. 

Southlake resident Milan Georgia was recognized with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for the 24th District of Texas from U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne during the November 2 City Council meeting. 

Southlake Resident Milan Georgia and council celebrating Georgia's commendation by Rep. Beth Van Duyn

He served in the U.S. Army for over five years during the Vietnam War. The Army recognized his years of service with the Army Aviator Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart. 

“We moved here in 1995 and jumped right in to help make Southlake better for ourselves,” Georgia said. “There was no Town Square, nor was there a local grocery store.” 

But Georgia’s service doesn’t stop with the military. Georgia served as a City of Southlake SPIN representative in the 1990s and was integral in the planning for turning the Town Hall development into the thriving environment it is today.  

In 2016, he was recognized with a Presidential Service Award for his volunteer service with the City of Southlake. 

As part of the Metroport Rotary Club, Georgia served in office positions, helping to raise over $300,000 in scholarships for local high school graduates and over $70,000 for local charities. His work as the 2005-2006 sponsorship chair for Southlake’s 50th Anniversary Celebration helped raise funds for City of Southlake Parks and Recreation projects. 

Georgia is a graduate of the Southlake Citizens Leadership Academy and the Citizens On Patrol Southlake program, where he created and staffed the bicycle patrol. He also served on the City of Southlake Public Safety Department’s Citizens Association’s board.  

For the past several months, Georgia has worked with the City of Southlake to establish more recognition for Southlake veterans.  

“I’m trying to help the vets who are coming home from Afghanistan get the recognition they deserve instead of a cold shoulder,” he said. “I do it because I live here in Southlake and because it is what every citizen should do wherever they live, to make it better for the generations coming behind them. You might say it’s part of your civic duty.” 

The City of Southlake is proud to recognize Georgia for his service to the country and to the Southlake community. 

In honor of Veterans Day, the City of Southlake has placed yellow ribbons around Family Park in front of Town Hall and lit the fountain green to celebrate our community veterans. We ask that you consider changing the color of your porch lights to green this evening in recognition of our community veterans. 

Interested in following in Georgia’s footsteps and serving the Southlake community? Learn more about serving on a City of Southlake board or commission or find more volunteer opportunities at www.VolunteerSouthlake.com.