Thursday, October 20, 2011

HONOR, COURAGE, COMMITMENT

These are the core values of the United States Marine Corps.

These are the characteristics of Corporal Milan N. Franklin.

Corporal Milan Franklin recently deployed for his second tour of duty to the Sangin area of the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he was serving as leader to a squad of 10 Marines and a Navy Corpsman.  While en route back to their forward operating base (FOB) from their night operation post (NOP), he and his comrades encountered an undetected improvised explosive device (IED).  Milan was severely injured from the explosion and, as a result, experienced the amputation of his right leg above the knee, his left leg below the knee, and the ring and pinky finger of his right hand at the palm.

Thanks to dedicated, rigorous, and disciplined training, his Corpsman, in spite of his own wounds and with the help of other members of the squad, executed with precision and accuracy the necessary medical procedures to immediately save Milan's life.  With secure assistance from their FOB, Milan was quickly evacuated from the area and returned to the base.  Milan is currently being treated for his injuries in Germany.

Milan is a 2007 graduate of Steilacoom High School in Washington state and the tenth and youngest child of a family filled with strong-willed personalities.  As a member of a large family, Milan developed a strong determination to establish his unique individuality.  His rock-solid determination propelled him on the search for a profession  that allowed him the opportunity to truly make a difference.  In 2008, Milan found this purpose and enlisted in the Marines.  He courageously fought for his country in his first tour of duty to Afghanistan in 2010 and upon his return was meritoriously promoted to Corporal.  More recently, he was recommended for meritorious promotion to Sergeant.

Milan is a man of determination, integrity, and selfless commitment to his beliefs, his country, his squad, his family, and his friends.  Because he strives for the best in himself, he expects the best of everyone he encounters.  He recognizes the potential in himself and is relentless in his efforts to encourage and support the potential in others.
 
Corporal Milan Franklin -- We honor your dedication and commitment to your brothers- and sisters-in-arms and your country.  You are our son, our brother, our friend, and one of your country's finest.  In short, you are our HERO.  We await in joyful anticipation your arrival home.

To all the visitors of this site -- Corporal Milan Franklin has a long road ahead of him and his recovery won't be without its struggles, but wouldn't it be great if we could share with him our support and love to aide him in his recovery?  If you feel so inclined, please leave a comment for him below.  If you wish to provide a donation to support him and all our brave service men and women, links have been provided to the right.

SEMPER FIDELIS!

65 comments:

  1. Meeno, I am so proud to call you my cousin and friend. You have a remarkable spirit and will continue to bring joy, peace, and love into the world. Stay strong buddy and keeping pushing. Always faithful, always true. Semper Fedelis.

    I love you, Elizabeth

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  2. Meeno, I am praying for your safe return to the U.S. and home. Know you are a strong individual and will pull through whatever God has put in your path to the future. We love you so very much. Semper Fedelis

    We love you, Sarah, Martin, Audrey, and Alex

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  3. Milan,
    All my prayers, positive thoughts, and love are with you now and always as you continue to fight. You are strong, brave, and a true hero. A great man that I know can push through this. Keep pushing Meeno, and know you are loved and supported by so many people.

    I love you, Angela

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  4. Milan...We are so proud of you. I thank you for your bravery, honor and commitment to our country. You are strong! Keep fighting! ~ I love you!
    Dorine, Scott, Cody & Miranda

    THANK YOU also to 3/7 2nd MAR.DIV. Kilo Company 1st Platoon ~ We are forever greatful for your service and commitment to our country and Milan. Semper Fi.

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  5. Milan,
    No words can express how grateful I am for the dedication you've shown for all of us and our country. You are brave, strong, and I am so proud of you and honored to call you my brother. Keep fighting and I'll see you soon.

    I love you, Paul

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  6. Our prayers are with you and your family. I'm friends with your brother, Mike. I just want to say thank you for your bravery in the service. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for our military. God Bless You!

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  7. Milan,
    I love you very much and can't wait to see you again. I am so proud and humbled by your commitment to serve our country. Keep fighting and know that I am always thinking of you.
    Love,
    Maria

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  8. Love you so much Milan!! You have so many people who are thinking about you and praying for you. You come from such a loving and committed family, and even people you don't know care about you and wish you a speedy recovery. You are so loved by so many. Keep fighting, Meeno. You are a strong, brave, courageous soldier. I am so blessed to know you. Love you lots!
    -Becca

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  9. Milan,

    We are so proud of you. Uncle Dale and I have carried a heavy heart this week, yet lightened by your strength, commitment, and courage. You are in our daily prayers. Keep fighting and know that we are thinking of you. We love you!
    Aunt Darlene

    THANK YOU also to 3/7 2nd MAR.DIV. Kilo Company 1st Platoon - We are forever grateful for your service and commitment to our country and Milan. Semper Fi.

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  10. Milan,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you for a full and speedy recovery. Thank you for your service to this country. The whole Boros family is keeping you in their thoughts. Continue to stay strong.

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  11. Milan

    I cannot tell you how proud I am to call you my brother!! Your dedication and hard work to the Marines and for this country has really shown the man you are and I am proud to say you are my brother!! I anxiously await your arrival to the states and I hope to see you soon but until then stay strong!! Semper fidelis!!

    Love, Rachel

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  12. Dear Milan,

    I am so sorry to hear about your serious injury! I am always very touched when I see the commercials about things like Wounded Warrior project and such; it reminds me of my Dad and all the heroes like him, and now, like you. You are the first person that I know personally to have been injured in this war, so now this war has finally hit home and demands a response. Please know of my prayers and Masses for you and your family. And I will make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project in your honor.

    Peace,

    Fr. Mel Strazicich

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  13. Milan,

    I couldn't possibly be more proud to call you my brother. You are a truly courageous and honorable young man and you have a very bright future ahead of you. We can't wait till you're home in the States!! Stay strong and know you are truly loved!!

    All our best wishes!!
    John, Flávia and Júlia

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  14. I love you Uncle Meeno. You are one of the strongest people that I know. If anyone can get through this, it's you. I'm so proud to call you my uncle. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
    Katie

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  15. Milan, I am so incredibly proud of you and love you with all my heart. Your bravery and commitment are truly inspirational. I pray that your recovery goes well and hope you have a safe return home to the US. Naomi has asked about you and looks forward to seeing her uncle meeno.

    We've got nothing but love for you little bro! Keep fighting!
    Annette, Naomi, and Nathan

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  16. Fight, Milan, Fight!!!!!! You have many people who love you and are praying for you to stay strong and overcome your obstacles.

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  17. My family and I are praying for a swift recovery. You're a Devil Dog so there's no doubt you're tough enough to fight through even this. Best wishes.

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  18. We are proud of you Milan. Keep fighting! Prayers, love and positive thoughts are always coming your way! We can't wait to see you at home! Big Hugs from Karen, Sarah, and Alex Staples!

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  19. Milan,

    Thank you for serving our country. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless you and I hope you have a fast recovery!

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  20. Stay strong! I remember you as a toddler, all tough and grown now. You are a true hero!
    You have alot of support and stay strong. Big hugs from the Boros family! God bless!!!!

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  21. My prayers are with you, Milan. You are so brave, and I thank you for your dedicated service to our Country. We knew your brother, Martin and your mom from Holy Family School and Sacred Heart Church. God be with you, and help you in your recovery. You and your entire family are in my prayers.

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  22. For me to say that I'm proud of you is an understatement,as you have my utmost praise for a job well done. In keeping up the tradition "THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE MARINES" you have given of yourself in so many ways,that only a MARINE can give, for that I'am very proud to say that my nephew is and always will a MAN amoung Men and a MARINE. Keep up the fight as you know that I am in your corner and will support you in any that I can.
    SEMPER FI !!!!!!!

    LOVE YA!
    SGT Dale McMakin USMC
    Your very proud Uncle.!!!!

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  23. DEAR MILAN, I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU GOT HURT IN THE WAR. I HOPE YOU ARE BETTER SOON. WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU. GOD BLESS YOU, DARIECE

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  24. Dear Milan, you do not know me, but I just wanted to say Thank You for your sacrifice for our freedom and the freedom of those in the Middle East. God is Good and has special plans for you. Please Trust in Him; let Him be your Strength and your Hope. May His Peace and Love fill you up. Sue

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  25. Milan,
    Thank you so much for your service to our great nation. My thoughts and prayes are with you. On the truly hard days remember you are a marine and can tackle any task set before you. As my father use to say put all your worries, troubles and fears in God's hands and simply keep pushing forward.
    Semper Fi!!
    Denise
    www.outhereinmyworld.blogspot.com

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  26. Milan, I love you as much if not more than any mother can love her children. To say I am proud of you is only part of how dear you are to me. I am so grateful you are alive and I will be there to walk with you every step of the way on your journey forward. Hurry home. I miss you so very much. Mom

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  27. May God Bless you during your struggles over the upcoming months. We are grateful for your years of service. Thank you!! Know that there are many people praying for you and your family. I will keep you and your family in my heart. To your fellow Marines - thanks!

    Sherrie from MD

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  28. Laszlo and Maria BorosOctober 21, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Milan,
    We love you and honor you as a long time friend to your wonderful family. We remember as a very cute, humble and kind little boy with nice smile and become a brave and true hero. We are so proud of you and thank you for serving our country so faithfully. We are praying for your recovery and safe return. "...with God all things are possible". May the Holy Family bless, guide and protect you. Peace and prayers always,Laszlo and Maria Boros and family

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  29. Milan,


    We love you and pray for you every second of the day. You are our hero and we are greatful for your service to our country and us. We wish you a speedy and full recovery.

    Love,

    Ken, Trisha, and Gabriel

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  30. Milan,
    You only met me once on New Year's last year w/ your cousin Angela. I was very sorry to hear of your injuries but I am so thankful of the service you have done for our country. My prayers are with you and your family, and I hope for a speedy recovery. Judy

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  31. I will help you with pain resolvement, ptsd, recovery, and show how more pleasure can be gained in learning small movements for healing with the body, than can be gained by big exciting movements even when the body is limited.

    http://www.facebook.com/movmentempowerment
    http://movementempowerment.blogspot.com/2011/10/movement-for-healing_21.html

    I'm in Spanaway so it'll be close!

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  32. Milan,
    My prayers are with you and your family. Continue to be: Brave, Strong, Courageous and Full of Hope.
    God Bless you.
    Leslie Seelye

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  33. Thank you Milan,
    You are a strong, GREAT man! We all love you. God is with you, We are praying for you daily.

    Love, the Thomas family.

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  34. Milan: Thank you for the unselfish sacrifice you have given to our country. This unfortunate accident may have stalled your progress, but I know you can fight through this and continue on. You are not alone. Be strong and know there are so many people praying for you. Your future is bright! GOD has great plans for you! We are so proud of you. Love, Bettina, Paul and all the Kaczmarek family.

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  35. Milan, I don't know you, but your family lived across the street from my mother-in-law in Steilacoom.
    The wars have been difficult for me and many others to understand. I am deeply hurt because of the price you have to pay for your service. I want you to know that we are praying for you each and every day. I want you to know that it's going to be OK. And I want you to know that you are not alone in your recovery and adaptation to your challenges. You are in God's hands who can provide healing and comfort.
    Bless you, Danny

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  36. God bless you and thank you for your dedication to our country! I heard about your courageous fight thru Abby D. Know we are proud you are our brother and God speed your recovery!
    Elisa B. Indiana

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  37. Milan,

    Your passion & enthusiasm towards your job in the Marines is something you should be very proud of. You defended your life just as your "Rifleman's Creed" states; and you did it with dignity. You took your oath of defending our Constitution against our foreign enemies with much bravery. So keep up the fight and never give up. I will be with you for as long as you will allow. You are someone we can all look up to. "Once a Marine, always a Marine!!" Semper Fi

    #1/10

    PS: To 3/7 2nd MAR.DIV. Kilo Company 1st Platoon, May God be with you during the remainder of your deployment and may you all come home safely to your families. We are forever indebted to you.

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  38. Milan,
    We are thinking about you every day! Look forward to seeing you come home. We are all praying for you and miss you!
    Trust in God and he will help you!

    The Mannings,
    Brian, Marianne, Colin, Lily and Lucy

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  39. Milan,

    You probably don't remember me. My name is Sam, we went to school and church together during high school. When you joined the Marines, you didn't just make your family and friends proud, you made your country proud. I am so grateful for the sacrifices that you have made. When I tell my children about this war, I will tell them about people like you. You're the reason that we all have a better world to live in. My family will know your name.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all the way. Be strong and have faith.

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  40. Franklin,

    You are a true American Hero. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday and I can't wait to see you when you get to CA. If you need anything at all don't hesitate to let me know. You're like family Franklin and you mean the world to Joe and I. You take care and stay strong. Know that a lot of people are praying for you and your speedy recovery.

    Love,
    Abby

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  41. Milan,

    Hey this is Fran,
    I heard about this from Larkey... I couldnt believe it and I'm still in utter shock and i'm upset and a billion other emotions. I'm just thankful you made it out alive..especially since I sat here and basically lectured you to be safe. I'm excited for you to come back, even though your probably frustrated at the fact that you will have to leave the rest of your brothers because of the state of condition your in. I miss you & would like to see you when you come home. I hope for a speedy recovery for you. Its very unfortunate this happened, but I'm always going to be here for you. Remember that.
    My parents are sending you prayers also.
    Dont hesitate to call me as soon as possible!

    love always,
    Fran

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  42. Milan!

    Paul Shea here. The Shea family has high hopes for you. We have much respect for those who fight for those who can't fight for themselves. Marines make the world a safer place. Horns up! \m/

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  43. Milan,

    Thank you for your service and sacrfice for your country. I pray you will have a quick recovery .My son Johnny was with the 3/7 Lima Phsyco 2nd last deployment and I know his heart was with you guys this one. You all make me so proud every day knowing that you are fighting for my freedom and making this the country what it is .It is afterall the land of the free because of the brave. You are my hero and I thank you. God Bless you Milan and watch over . Proud Marine Mom of Sgt John Pollacek inactive reserves .

    Love and respect,
    Eileen Pollacek

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  44. Milan thank you so much for giving of yourself so that we all can be safe. You are the truest expression of what it is to be a Marine!! I love you buddy!

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  45. Milan,

    We have never met you but I feel like I know you thru friends of yours here in San Diego. Our church is praying for your recovery. We are so appreciative of the service you have given to our country and its people. Even though we don't know you we love you for it and hold you dear to our hearts.

    Love,

    Jim & Jan Evans
    Escondido, Ca
    The Church at Rancho Bernardo

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  46. Milan,
    You are in our prayers and I have lots of people from all over the country praying for you and your family, including a parish in Missouri and in California.

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  47. Milan,

    Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have made for our country. You are an amazing person, a strong soldier and most importantly an incredible Marine. I am so happy and relieved to know that you will be back here in the states today. You hold a special place in my heart and I truly cherish our friendship.

    You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Always remember that you have a TON of people who love you and care about you. We are ALL here for you, to help you, and to support you every step of the way. We cant wait for you to get home and to see you. If God can bring you to it, he will see you through it.

    Love you Milan, and miss you tons!!

    Love,

    Daniele

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  48. Milan,

    I truly can't express how much I appreciate your service, and your fellow Marines, to our country and the sacrifices you have made to ensure our way of life. You have put yourself in harms way and have persevered more than I can imagine. For that, I cannot thank you enough. God speed you recovery.

    -Sean Kendrick

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  49. Meeno,

    Man it seems like it was just yesterday that we were at your old house throwing action figures down the stairs, two snot nosed little kids always gettin into trouble...haha those were the days cuz...you were one of my best friends and still are...in better words, less of a friend or cousin and more of a brother, that basically it, you are my brother and the day i heard of the accident i didnt know all the details and my heart dropped all i knew was "milan was blown up by an IED" thats all i could make out from my mom (rediculous how much shit get twisted through the phone. Anyways i thought i had lost a my brother and that was all i could think about, then i finally got ahold of mark and got the straight story and when i heard you were alive an had substained severe injuries, none of that mattered all i focused on is "Meeno is alive" cuz i know you brother and youre just as stubborn as me and if there is any chance of a recovery from ANYTHING! youre gunna make it. Youre one of the strongest willed individuals i know and i have nothing but the utmost respect for you. like uncle dale stated earlier..."youre a man among men" and with that all being said i know that there is no possible way you would let any obstacles bring you down or keep you from reaching greatness...you may have to learn a different way of life now and it may not be easy as you know but always remember who you are and the family you come from and that will ALWAYS be behind you no matter what. I know you will make the best possible recovery in the shortest possible time and in no time we will be sitting back bullshittin and havin a few to many beers....you are greatly loved, missed and appreciated. from one man to another. stay strong, stay stubborn and never settle for satisfactory cuz our family only strives for greatness...... Love ya Meeno and Ill be seein you soon. Johnny

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  50. what a young man you are! I'm proud we have a man like you! Keep the faith. God bless you and I'll include you in my prayers. Our country is strong because of man like you! you are great and love you even if you don't know me. Keep strong and you'll recover.

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  51. Milan, I have never met you but I feel like I know you! My wife works at Cherrydale and keeps me posted daily on how you are doing! I have met your Mom and know she is a great lady! The minute I heard your story i knew you would survive and you will have a great life. Keep your positive attitude and you can do anything! Keep that same positive attitude you have shared with the kids at Cherrydale when you spoke to them, the Lepricon that you became one day to make the kids smile! You have a big heart and a fantastic family (i only know that from the comments above and from stories about you and your Mom thru my wife). My wife and I have been praying for you and will continue. We know in our heart you will a very successful person in this world, continueing to give yourself for others as you have already done!
    God Bless!

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  52. Milan,

    Keep your chin up. I can't understand what you are going through, but I am wishing the best for you and thinking of you and your family every day. Things will be OK. My mom works with your mom at Cherrydale and I know there is a growing community of caring people keeping you in their thoughts.
    One day at a time.

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  53. Milan,
    You are continually in our thoughts and prayers!!!
    God bless,
    Monica

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  54. Milan, we are extremely proud of who you are, what you have accomplished and what you believe in. You come from a very determined and positive family that will be with you throughout your recovery and will be in our prayers daily. You are our hero and we are very honored to have you as a nephew. Be strong, be positive, be Meeno! We love you.

    Uncle Tom and Aunt Mel

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  55. Hi Bud! I am so proud of you! You are an inspiration to everyone who knows you and also to those who don't after reading the comments posted here! Be strong and keep your spirits up! I am so happy that Bob was able to fly clear across the country to be with you! He is sure looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! It is sure interesting how life works out sometimes! I had already planned on being in the area visiting for 3 weeks and now I can see you too! Yay! Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers! Love you!
    Ellen

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  56. Milan, we are praying for you. Know that you are loved.
    Pat & Kim Fitzhugh

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  57. Milan, Paula, and family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Tawnya Jamison

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  58. Meeno!

    I'm SO proud of you. You have shown the world what a real HERO is, and that is what you'll always be to me. When my dad first told me about this, the first thing I could do was cry. I know that you're hurting, but your tenacity and strength will get you through. You have a HUGE family on your side and we will always be there. I love you and I can't wait to see you when you're back in the states.

    Kathleen and Todd

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  59. My husband and I, thank God for giving us "Unique Young Men like You" loaded with courage, determination and solid love for our country, family and Friends. We do admire your bravery and commitment. Please keep fighting, you always have been and will be strong.

    We are sure God, Science and the Universe will embrace together for your outstanding recovery.
    "CPL. MILAN FRANKLIN YOU ARE A HERO"
    We are with you and by you in our daily prayers.
    With love,

    Bob & Elvi Elliott

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  60. Milan,
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and fight. Thank you for serving! you are a true hero! Come home safe!

    Heather Hogan

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  61. Continued prayers and well wishes Milan. You are in my thoughts daily.

    julie

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  62. Dear Cpl Franklin,

    Thank you very much for making such a huge sacrifice for us here in America. We have so much to be thankful for, and you are a shining example of a United States Marine. My son-in-law is a Marine but has not seen combat. I can only imagine how my family would feel if he were to be wounded at all, let alone to the extent of your injuries. I'm not a Marine, so I don't consider myself qualified to say "Ooh Rah" or "Semper Fi". I can only say thank you and wish you Godspeed in your recovery and a fulfilling life. Mark T

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  63. Our church, Praise Chapel of Lakewood WA is in prayer for Milan each day. Anyone who has the latest status of Milan, please post so church membership can be kept abreast of his progress.

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  64. I visited Milan today at Balboa Naval Hospital and I can simply say it was an honor to do so. I met Milan in 2009 through his Aunt Elizabeth. I had just returned from my 3rd tour in Iraq a few months before. Elizabeth has been a friend of the family for over 15 years and we had dinner the evening that we met. Milan was a little reserved being around a MGySgt as are most young Marines , but he was an impressive young Marine who was geared up and ready for anything. Now he face's that "everything" I will tell you, my experience today was nothing short of what I expected from him. Elizabeth always kept me informed of how he was doing, and his success as she is very proud of everything he does.
    Milan is doing very good and has a long road ahead of him. His determination, support from his friends and family will shorten that road. He is positive motivated and in great spirits. He told me that he gets his prosthetics in January and he wishes he could get them sooner as he is ready to get moving. He told his Aunt that he would be hiking with her within 3 months of receiving them.... That's the power of the mind, and Milan has that nailed down to a "T" It is great to see that and I know without question his success in the future is unlimited.
    Godspeed to Milan and his family.

    Semper Fi Warrior, my prayers and support are with you always.

    MGySgt Alan Jones
    USMC

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