HOLLIDAYSBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) designated a bridge carrying a portion of South Eagle Valley Road (SR 4027) over Bald Eagle Creek in Snyder Township, Blair County, as the Sergeant Major (SGM) Charles B. Mills, Sr. Memorial Bridge.
“Sergeant Major Charles Mills exemplifies what it means to selflessly serve his country and his community,” said Ward. “This bridge designation will ensure that everyone who travels this road will be reminded of his tremendous legacy and the incredible sacrifices he made for us all.”
Sergeant Major Charles Mills, a longtime Tyrone resident, was born in Northwood, Pennsylvania, as one of six children in a large family. With his love for his country and a desire to serve, he enlisted in the Navy, performing three tours in Vietnam, with additional tours in Iceland and Panama, and retired from the Navy with over 14 years of service, going on to join the Army National Guard as a recruiter and counselor. He retired from the service after 31 years with a decorated and honorable career, receiving numerous medals and badges, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.
Sergeant Major Mills’ service to his country and community continued in retirement and throughout the rest of his life. He also had a second career over the years as Police Chief in several boroughs and townships. Through his work with the Navy Club, he preserved and highlighted heroic deeds of fellow veterans, compiling and publishing them in a series of books. He also was elected to several terms on the Tyrone Borough Council.
Friend Martin Gillman said, ”Charlie, to me, loved this community. He did a lot behind the scenes that people didn’t realize. He was like a big brother to me, and we wanted him to be recognized for the person he was. I saw him do many things for veterans, such as putting flags on veteran’s graves on Memorial Day and sponsoring the Veterans Day parade each year. He loved helping the veterans.”
“I’m proud to have known Charlie for over 60 years,” said another friend, Doug Walker. “He was a hero in my book for what he did for his country as well as never wanting to be recognized for his generosity in helping others. He was always there for anyone that needed help,” he said.
Sergeant Major Mills passed away recently in his home at the age of 86. His wife, Jeanie Mills, resides in Tyrone, Blair County.
”We are so humbled by the honor of allowing his legacy to live on,” Jeanie Mills said. “We are grateful to his friends, Marty and Doug, and, of course, Senator Ward and her office for making this happen. We know he would be beyond proud to have this bridge bear his name,” she added.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and X (Twitter) @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
Ward contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421