Roderick Lee ’Mac’ Mcmillin

SFC McMillin entered the Army in June 1978, as a 45L Artillery Repairman. Within one and a half years of completing Advanced Individual Training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland his outstanding leadership potential was quickly recognized and he was assigned as NCOIC for the 3rd echelon weapons maintenance facility in Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy while assigned to the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 509th Airborne Combat Team . While serving as an 12B Combat Engineer for the 820th Engineer Battalion Reserve he was once again singled out ahead of his peers to assume an important junior leadership position as squad leader. SFC McMillin continued excelling in increasingly challenging positions of responsibility as a 42652, Jet Engine Technician, in the 528th CAM Squadron Nevada Air National Guard, Reno, Nevada, his leadership abilities were recognized as he was promoted from Senior Airmen E-4 to Staff Sergeant E-5. SFC McMillin graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course SFQC in 1989 as an 18D, Special Operations Medical Sergeant. He was first assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Once again he was quickly recognized for his maturity and leadership qualities and became the Senior Medical Sergeant of ODA 744 within a year of graduating from the SFQC. In 1993, he was one of five team members selected to recover the bodies of 5 DEA agents in a denied area of the Hualaga Valley in the country of Peru. In 1996, SFC McMillin was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Clayton, Panama as the Senior Medical Sergeant for ODA 792. During his tenure on ODA 792 he excelled in the positions and additional duties of, Senior Medical Sergeant, Breacher, Junior and Senior Weapons Sergeant, Team and Company Marksmanship Instructor, Observer Controller, and Primary Marksmanship Instructor for 5 JCETS training Tier One assets of Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and El Salvador. He was also credited with saving one seven year old female civilian during a JCET in the country of Ecuador. His excellent judgment and complete knowledge of all aspects of live fire Close Quarters Combat during 5 JCETS resulted in an exemplary safety record of over 300 Host Nation Tier One assets trained with no injuries, while operating in austere training environments. In 1999, SFC McMillin was reassigned as the Senior Company Medic for Company C, 3rd Battalion 7th Special Forces Group, with additional duties as the Language Coordinator, Schools NCOIC, and Narcotics Control Officer. His attention to detail and thorough planning as Senior Medic during a JSOC training exercise resulted in one real world casualty being saved. His attention to detail, flexibility and determination resulted in 99% of the company staying current on language qualification. He single handedly wrote and implemented the companies narcotics standard operating procedures with 100% accountability of all controlled narcotics. In 2000 he was assigned to ODA 792, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, as the Assistant Operations Sergeant where he was responsible for the teams force protection and intelligence operations during one JCET, two training exercises, and one real world operation. His insight and analysis of the battle space was instrumental in all aspects of planning and operational considerations. In 2001 he was assigned to ODA 721, Company B, 7th Special Forces Group, as Intelligence Analyst, Tactical Analysis Team. He assisted the Regional Security Officer in implementing an upgraded Marksmanship Program for the Ambassadors security detail, and was instrumental in obtaining real world reconnaissance information to assist the DEA in conducting real world counter drug operations within the country of Peru. Later in 2001, SFC McMillin was reassigned to Company A, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion as a Team Medic. He was hand selected to lead the team that established the Peruvian Regional Demining Center on the Peruvian Humanitarian Mine Action HMA mission. His ability, flexibility and determination lead to the completion of the only Regional Mine Action Center that completely complies with the precepts of the Humanitarian Mine Action Program in accordance with United Nations HMA guidelines in the country of Peru. SFC McMillin was an invaluable asset to the team as we prepared to deploy to Operation Enduring Freedom. His knowledge of Close Quarters Combat and tactical expertise were the contributing factor in the survivability and operational effectiveness of the team during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His training, operational insight, and coordination with 2nd Battalion 5th Special Forces Group, assured the teams integration and credibility as an effective fighting Civil Affairs asset with the 5th Special Forces Group. His quick corrective action very possibly prevented a friendly fire incident during OIF. His planning and preparation directly contributed to the opening of the 1500 bed hospital in the first days following the fall of Bahgdad. SFC McMillin has been submitted for a Bronze Star in recognition of his meritorious achievement during his OIF deployment. While operating in austere and semi secure areas, his input and direction contributed directly with strategic planning and redistribution of Civil Affairs assets for Plan Colombia during his last deployment. SFC McMillin has served with distinction in several combat environments. He has been absolutely essential to the wartime preparation of all of CAT-As of Company A over the past three years. He has risen to his nation's calling in support of Operation Promote Liberty in Panama, Operation Restore Freedom in Peru, the Airbridge Denial Program in Peru, Operation Steady State in Peru, Hurricane Mitch Humanitarian Assistance in Honduras, Counter Drug and Counter Terrorism CBT JCETS in Colombia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time, SFC McMillin has served in a multitude of theaters but he has always served with an unparalleled level of distinction. In every instance, SFC McMillin has represented Special Forces, the Special Operations Community, the United States Army, and the United States of America with the utmost honor and the highest degree of professionalism. He continuously accepted the toughest assignments and accomplished every mission to a standard of excellence. His dedication to 26 years of service has set an example for everyone to follow. Retired from the US Army in August of 2004.Mac worked for Pacific Architects and Engineers in Malakal, Sudan under a US State Department sponsored contract for 7 months as a Monitor/Medic for the Civilian Protection Monitor Team program C.P.M.T. from 07/2004 to 02/2005.From 06/2005 to 08/2005 he worked for MPRI as a Trainer/Medic in Rwanda to train Peace Keeping forces bound for Darfur, Sudan, again on a US State DepartmentLegion of Merit X 1 not listed on DD214, received after DD214 preparedMeritorious Service Medal X 2 Joint Service Achievement Medal X 2Army Achievement Medal X 2Army Good Conduct Medal X 6National Defense Service Medal X 2Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal X 1Global War on Terrorism Service Medal X 1Humanitarian Service Medal X 1Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with 3 numeralsArmy Service RibbonOverseas Service Ribbon 3rd AwardAir Force Longevity Service RibbonMaster Parachutist BadgeMilitary Freefall Jumpmaster BadgeSpecial Forces Tab Mac had started his own company Machine Accessories& Components MAC building custom motorcycles and fabricating motorcycle bike parts . Mac had those good old fashioned manners. He loved the out doors, and going for bike rides. He loved his cats . Mac loved taking pictures and site seeing. He enjoyed reading, sports, hunting, skiing, fishing, cars, motorcycles, traveling, computers and life We cherish the memories we have of Roderick lee McMillin Mac to his friends.Mac past away October 4th 2005 during a motor cycle accident while on vacation in Thailand.Sister Sandie Paul Hedman of Mhd. Mn. nieces Heather Travis Crisslergreat-niece Natasha, Melony Berg, nephews Cory Hiebert of Fargo, N.D. DavidRaqual Hiebert of Devils Lake N.D. Sister BonnieCraig Woodward nieces Karie greatnieces Kalie & Karissa Ziegelmann, Amanda & Heather Woodward of Marco Island Fla. Sister Gaylynn & David Haney of Fargo,ND Sister Linda Mees of Fargo ND,nieces Shelly Steven great-nieces & nephew Kendra,Tia &Joseph Crowther of Wa. Bonnie Bell, niece Heather, great-nieces & nephew Kaitlynn, Megan,Mary & Zach Bell of Fargo. Uncle Bud & Aunt Joan McMillin of Hayden Idaho, Aunt Betty & Jay Hientz of Seattle, WA. Grandmother Matilda Nelson of Bismarck, Aunt Nancy Auch of Bismarck,ND. Bill & Wanda Thomas of Susanville CA. Evadine Thomas, McMillin, Jauch of Redding, CA. Stepsisters Susan, nephew Brian Thompson of Fargo,N.D, Niece Hillery Thompson of Raliegh,N.C. and KathyJohn Carlson of Mhd.Mn. Extended family members include but not limited to Danny & Laura Cartwright of Hope Mills N.C. ,Norman & Lisa Emmendorfer of Hope Mills, N.C. Todd Girdner, Bill Hamp, Rod Knight, George Walruth, Terry Eddy, Bernie Jackson, Matt Edwards, Mark Wilson. Special friend Buaban Chukhan.