By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–This year’s honoree of the Drum Major of Justice Award is William Milam Jr. of Henry, a retired veteran and community supporter and volunteer.
Milam is a proud resident of the community of Henry and has deep roots in the town and has buit a wonderful life there with his family.
According to Brother Andre Richardson, Milam’s impact goes beyond the borders of Henry, however.
He served in the Tennessee National Guard for 21 years and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
His love of country is matched by his love of family. He and his wife, Ella, have been married fo 38 years, and together they raised two children and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren.
Milam has given back to the community after his retirement from the military and his return to his hometown. He is actively involved in Mary’s Kids, a non-profit organization that helps childen, volunteers for the Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction, is a Henry Alderman, is on the Henry County Airport Board, is a member of the McKenzie Rotary Club, helps with the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commece, volunteers with the Community Action Network, is a member of the VFW and is active with Boy Scouts Troops 423.
Plans are for Milam to receive the Drum Major for Justice Award tonight at the local Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, unless it is postponed due to the frigid weather. The observance will be in the form of a panel discussion set for 6 p.m. January 20 at Mt. Zion at 401 Irvine St., Paris.
Theme of the discussion is “From Struggles to Success: Overcoming Obstacles on the Path of Justice”.
Free admission. Everyone is invited.
Photo: William Milam Jr on duty as a Helping Hand volunteer. Shannon McFarlin photo.