I am a Gold Star Mother and mother of a United States Marine Corps Veteran. My sons raised their hands to defend our country at the USMC Recruiting Station in Columbia. They spent most of their adolescent lives in Howard County, and this monument honors their service and sacrifices.
My oldest son, Lance Corporal Eugene C. Mills, III, was called Gene by his family and Gino by most of his military friends. When the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001, he decided that he would join the military and its mission to defend our country against terrorism. At the age of 17, he went to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, to become a United States Marine. After graduating bootcamp, he went to SOI and Security Forces training and ultimately was assigned to the1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
His first deployment was with Charlie Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His second and final deployment was with 1/8, Bravo Company, where he became a squad leader. On June 22, 2012, during combat operations and with less than one month remaining of their deployment, 1/8 Bravo Company encountered enemy forces in Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Mills was killed by enemy small fire. His final resting place is in Section 60 of the Arlington National Cemetary, Virginia.
Gene’s decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq/Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Ribbon. A portion of I-95 is dedicated to him, and his recognition is on the highway near where he grew up between Routes 198 and 216 in Laurel.
My youngest son, Jacob, also served in the Marines. He spent four years at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was on two deployments during his service. The service of both of my sons has taught me that we owe so much to our active-duty military and Veterans for our freedom. This monument will bring awareness to the community and honor those who made a commitment to protect the United States and the families who support those defenders.
–Theresa Karlson, Gold Star Mother
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