Army Specialist and Former VMI Lacrosse Player Killed in Iraq
MAAC Sports
LEXINGTON, Va. ? “There was never a moment when Bill McMillan didn't have a smile on his face. The room would always light up when he walked in.”
“Bill brought out the best in everyone, including classmates, teammates, and myself. Although he's gone, he will never be forgotten because of the memories he gave us.”
“Bill was a hard-nosed player who often took face-offs. Just as it takes a warrior to venture into the face-off circle, it takes one to defend our freedom. We all know Bill was, and is, every bit that type of a warrior.”
Such are the feelings in the VMI lacrosse family, as it is saddened to announce the passing of one of its own, Army Specialist William (Bill) L. McMillan. According to the Department of Defense, McMillan, a VMI alumnus, was killed in action in Iraq on July 8, when the vehicle he was traveling in was struck by an improvised explosive device.
While other service academies require graduates to join the military, VMI alumni have an option whether or not to serve. McMillan made that choice, as have many others to pass through VMI's 150-year-old halls, including many who have served in the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Current VMI lacrosse coach Jeff Shirk summarized McMillan's tragic death by saying; "I did not know Bill McMillan, but I respect him. He chose to serve our country in a time of military conflict, as have countless others from VMI. He paid the ultimate price, and we honor and thank him, his family, and all those who have served our country, for their sacrifice and everything they have given."
McMillan matriculated with the VMI class of 2008, but left the Institute near the end of his 4th class year. He enlisted in the Army, and was assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He had served as a medic in Iraq for seven months at the time of his death, earning the Bronze Star for the bravery he displayed in his duties. The VMI alumnus also received an Impact Award during his stint overseas.
McMillan, a native of Lexington, Ky., grew up the son of a General, and attended Hargrave Military Academy a short distance from VMI. It is there where an award has been set up in his honor, recognizing the senior who best displays the American spirit of citizenship and service to their school, their company and their classmates during their senior year.
He then came to VMI in 2005 and joined the lacrosse team as a recruited walk-on at the midfield position, becoming a part of the class that would eventually earn the Institute’s first post-season lacrosse triumph. While he would only play one year for the Keydets, he left many memories with the family-like atmosphere that permeates the program.
"Bill left a very positive impression on everyone in the VMI lacrosse family. He was, and is, truly a great man," stated his former coach at the Institute, Doug Bartlett, who directed the Keydet squad from 1986-2006.
The class that joined VMI lacrosse in 2005 also included Pat Zanelotti and Matt Harrison, a pair of 2008 graduates who befriended the Army Specialist. Both Zanelotti and Harrison also chose to enlist in the military following their time at VMI, and they found common ground with the Kentucky native.
"If the best social, athletic, and personal traits an individual can have could be put into one person, that person would be Bill,” stated Zanelotti. “He would light up the room with his jokes and smile, and then ten minutes later, try to knock you out with his ferocious on-field hits. During all that time, that contagious smile would never leave his face. Bill was the best of many things, including a friend and teammate.”
"I know that myself, and the rest of the VMI lacrosse family, are deeply saddened by the loss of Bill. He is a true American hero and I am going to miss him as a brother rat, teammate, and friend," former teammate Harrison said.
Funeral arrangements for McMillan have been set in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. Proceedings will include the 25th Infantry Honor Guard, as well as three Blackhawk helicopters which are scheduled to perform a fly-over.
McMillan is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his parents, Gen. William and Margorie McMillan Jr.; his sister, Lauren; and his brother, Brad. The family continues to live in Lexington, Ky.