JCHS graduate wounded in Iraq
By Deborah Bennett

His year of service in Iraq was completed, and thoughts of coming home filled his mind as SPC 4 Arthur Lamont Milton Jr., 21, waited for the arrival of the helicopter that was to take his unit out of Iraq. Then, the unimaginable occurred. A missile hit the helicopter as it approached the landing site, and a second missile hit the landing site, injuring eight servicemen of the HHC 1-36 Infantry Battalion, including SPC 4 Milton.

SPC 4 Milton, son of Arthur and Alice Milton of Millen and a 2004 graduate of Jenkins County High School (JCHS), was seriously injured during the Jan. 31 attack outside Baghdad and airlifted to a hospital in Germany. He will be transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center sometime this week.

"He was thrown 50 ft. into the air and suffered a broken right leg and ankle, among other injuries, but we are so thankful he is alive," said Mrs. Milton.

The Miltons learned of the incident from their son.

"I got the call from Arthur about 8 a.m. on Feb. 1, and then the military called around 10 a.m.," said Mr. Milton, who expressed thankfulness that his son had been the one to break the frightening news to the family.

News of the incident spread quickly at JCHS where educators remember him as a model student.

"I remember Arthur as a cheerful outgoing student. He was always very respectful to me and willing to do whatever was asked of him. I am proud of Arthur and will pray for his speedy recovery. My best wishes to him and his family," said Virgil Rainey, industrial arts instructor.

"Arthur was one of the most well-behaved, polite and respectful young men that we have had to walk the halls of JCHS. Our facility is very proud of him for his service to our country, and we will keep him in our prayers," said Ruth Hearn, counselor.

Their comments were echoed by biology teacher Nancy Deal who said, "He was one of the nicest young men I have taught, and it was a pleasure to teach him."

SPC 4 Milton was also remembered by Donna Kennedy, business teacher.

"Arthur has always been more than just a student, he was a friend. I could always count on him when I needed help. I hope for a speedy recovery," she said.

Mrs. Milton said that her son has expressed an immense appreciation for his friends and family at home in her conversations with him the past several days.

"He misses everyone and thanks everyone who has kept in contact with him. He also thanks them for their prayers. We are all so very grateful for everything," she said.

The Miltons also know how fortunate they are that their son will be coming home alive.

"I think about all of those whose children won't be coming back to them. Our hearts just go out to each and everyone of them," said Mrs. Milton.

The Millen News will publish SPC 4 Milton's address when it becomes available so that local citizens may send him cards and letters if they desire.