STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives on Monday unanimously supported efforts to memorialize Chief Warrant Officer Donald L. Mills for his military service by naming a bridge on State Road 29 after the local war hero.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), author of House Concurrent Resolution 4, said his measure urges the Indiana Department of Transportation to name the bridge over Wildcat Creek in Burlington after Mills, a Kokomo native who served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot. According to VanNatter, Mills disobeyed direct orders by flying behind enemy lines to help evacuate wounded Vietnamese soldiers. While waiting for the troops to load into the helicopter, Mills sat directly in the line of enemy fire while saving countless lives.
"Mills dedicated his life to his country, state and community," VanNatter said. "This bridge renaming would be a great way to honor him, and remind Hoosiers of the sacrifices made by those who served."
According to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo), who co-authored the resolution, Mills graduated from Kokomo High School before enlisting in the United States Army. Karickhoff said the bridge is visible from Mills' boyhood home, making it the perfect location to honor a true hero.
"Unfortunately, many of the troops who returned from the Vietnam War did not receive the recognition and welcoming reception that they deserved," Karickhoff said. "Mills left a positive mark on our Kokomo community, and his dedication to serving our state and country will never be forgotten."
For his actions, Mills received the Air Medal, which is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. After returning from the war, Mills served on the Kokomo Police Department for 24 years and as a court security officer for Howard County Superior Court 1 for 13 years.
House Concurrent Resolution 4 now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) honors the life of Chief Warrant Officer Donald L. Mills for his military service on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at the Indiana Statehouse. VanNatter authored a resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to name the bridge over Wildcat Creek in Burlington after Mills.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Tom Kelley, a former Kokomo police officer, testify in support of House Concurrent Resolution 4 on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at the Indiana Statehouse. Karickhoff co-authored the resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to name the bridge over Wildcat Creek in Burlington after Chief Warrant Officer Donald L. Mills for his military service.
