Master Sgt. David Mills, Jr. was honored for his 23 years of military service at the home game of the Lexington County Blowfish.

Ironically this was also retired MSG Mills’ 60th birthday.

Mills spent 2 years in the Army Reserves before transferring to active duty for another 21 years. He has combat tours in Panama and Iraq, and was on the first wave of both.

Mills has served in the 24th, 7th, and 101st Infantry Divisions, 3 tours in Germany, 1 tour in Korea in a host of positions. MSG Mills’ awards and decorations are The Bronze Star Medal, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 9 Army commendation Medals, 9 Army Achievement Medals, 7 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with 2 Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NCO Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Audie Murphy Club and Sergeant Morales Clubs member.

He is a 20 year Paid for Life member of the American Legion, Charter Commander of Pelion American Legion Post 101 and is the District 20 Commander. He is the Adjutant for the Son’s of the American Legion Squadron 101 and Riders Director of Chapter 101, American Legion Riders. He is a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans of Batesburg/Leesville SC Unit 51. He is also a liaison to the SC Army

National Guard, the Midlands area Gold Star families and serves meals to the homeless through the Columbia area Salvation Army Transition Center and Inclement Weather Center. He is also a Quilts of Valor Foundation presenter for South Carolina. He is a member of the Pelion Ruritan Club and Pelion Peanut Party Planning Committee.

Mills had a 2nd massive heart attack while stationed in Iraq.

His wife Sarah was in Germany where he was stationed before deploying.

She was able to stay at the Fisher House outside Landstuhl Medical Hospital where he was transported. there.

Sarah stayed in the Fisher house without worry of lodging, food or basic necessities until it was determined that her husband was sent to Walter Reed Army Hospital.

Funds are being raised to build a Fisher House at the Dorn VA Campus in Columbia.

To donate, go to fisherhousecolumbiasc.org/donate or text to 609-375-0446.

The mail address is Fisher House of Columbia; P.O. Box 290185, Columbia, SC 29229.