From the battlefields of Vietnam to his continued work in the Southlake community, Captain Milan Georgia’s life has been defined by unwavering service and sacrifice. His dedication to protecting our nation began when he served in the U.S. Army, where he flew countless combat missions as a helicopter gunship pilot during the Vietnam War. Over the course of his military career, he earned numerous accolades, including two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and 17 Air Medals. However, his journey of service didn’t end with his military retirement—it was only the beginning.
Since moving to Southlake, Captain Georgia has devoted himself to giving back to the community in countless ways. His work with the Metroport Rotary Club, the Southlake Arts Council, SPIN, and local veterans’ groups reflects his enduring commitment to service. Whether advocating for veterans’ rights, speaking at events, or supporting community initiatives, he continues to embody the spirit of service that has defined his life. These are just a few of the many reasons the City of Southlake has named him the 2024 Veteran of the Year, an honor he received at this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony, where he also served as the keynote speaker.
In addition to his ongoing community work, Captain Georgia is a key member of the City’s Veterans Memorial Focus Group, which is spearheading the creation of a veterans memorial in Southlake. This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to those who have served in the military, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Captain Georgia’s vision for the memorial is one that not only acknowledges past service but also celebrates veterans' continued impact on the community.
“We want the community to remember the sacrifices that were made for our freedoms,” Captain Georgia said. “This memorial will be a place where veterans are not just honored but recognized for their ongoing contributions.”
The vision for the memorial is being brought to life under the leadership of Robert Briggs, the City’s Deputy Director of Economic Development and Tourism, and a veteran himself. Briggs, along with Captain Georgia and 14 other local veterans, gather regularly to share ideas and visions for the memorial’s design and the message it will convey to future generations. Captain Georgia’s continued commitment to the community is evident through his integral role in shaping this memorial, as well as his enduring dedication to service.
“It has been a true honor getting to know Captain Georgia and witness firsthand the passion and dedication he brings to serving our community,” Briggs explained. “Being named Southlake's Veteran of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of his lifelong commitment to service—both on the battlefield and here at home. Captain Georgia’s dedication to the veterans' memorial project, and his extensive service to the Southlake community, reflects his unwavering spirit of service and goal to ensure the sacrifices of all veterans are honored for generations to come.”
Captain Georgia’s story is one of courage, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. As he continues to serve in Southlake, his legacy will inspire both current and future generations to remember the value of service, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring those who have given so much for our freedoms.
This week on SLK City Spotlight, we join Mayor Shawn McCaskill and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Talley as they talk about the history of Veterans Day and how the community participates in honoring the brave men and women who served our country in the U.S. armed forces.
They also announce the early development of a Veterans Day Memorial within the City of Southlake.
To learn more about Veterans Day and the early stages of the Veterans Day Memorial, please visit the link below:
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.
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.
The City of Southlake takes pride in employing world class employees who not only serve our community, but have served the entire country.
Meet our veterans, Engineering Inspector Julio Reyna III and Public Works Senior Equipment Operator Jason Camblin.
Both individuals served in the U.S. Army, Reyna for four years and Camblin served for 14 years.
Transitioning from the milita
ry to civilian life may have its challenges, however, the values remain the same.
“I continue to use values such as Loyalty, Duty, Respect and Integrity to better serve the citizens of Southlake,” Reyna explained.
Camblin also uses the values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage that were instilled in him while serving in the military and applies them in his service to the Southlake community.
When asked what Veterans Day means to them, Reyna and Camblin shared their thoughts.
“Honor, Sacrifice and Pride; it’s a day of appreciation for the people who served before me, during the time I was able to serve and those serving after me,” said Reyna.
Camblin defines Veterans Day as the “duty to the American way of life.”
To date, the City of Southlake employs 31 veterans.
Thank you for your service and for continuing to serve the citizens of Southlake.
Milton Blake is a beloved and long-time resident of the Southlake community. He and his late wife, Beverly Blake, relocated to Southlake 15 years ago from Chicago to live near his daughter, Robin Cornish and her late husband Frank Cornish.
Blake and his wife were both active members in the community. She served as the Senior Advisor Commission chair while he actively participates in the Mayor’s Alliance for Unity and Culture.
Before he and his family decided to make Southlake home, Blake was a very active member of the military. He served 32 years in the U.S. Army.
Blake always knew he was destined to serve. When he was a young boy, he participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. As a teenager, he participated in JROTC and eventually became commander of his high school unit.
After high school, Blake attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated in 1957, which is the same year he was drafted to the U.S. Army.
He attended basic training in Colorado at Fort Carson and was quickly promoted to trainee leader for his platoon.
He was later transferred to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland where he worked in construction drafting, which included weapon plans. While he was there, Blake was recommended to participate in a post soldier competition, a contest where the top performers compete against other units. Blake won.
Not to long after his victory, Blake enrolled into cadet school at Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated as second lieutenant in 1959.
Following graduation, he transferred to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri where he continued to train troops for six months.
His expertise in training others led him to working for the Army’s training division.
Blake traveled to various states to train troops for the remainder of his career. He moved through the ranks as company commander, battalion executive officer, battalion commander and concluded his career in the G-2 (intelligence) unit. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
After retirement, Blake returned to his childhood roots in Chicago and worked for the Reserve Office Association where he presented awards to high performing JROTC units at local high schools.
As things started to slow down, Blake and his wife, decided to make Southlake their second home for years to come. Blake lost his wife in August 2019. They were married 59 years. They have two children together, daughter Robin Cornish, and late son Milton Blake Jr., as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Blake summed up what Veterans Day means to him in just a few words.
“It’s a celebration of patriotism and celebration of veterans and armed forces, he said. “Today they are honored for their services.”
If you happen to see Blake, be sure to thank him for his service.
