Kyle Milliken Memorial Golf Tournament
The Kyle Milliken Memorial Golf Tournament honors Navy Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kyle Jeffrey Milliken who was KIA serving his country on May 5, 2017 in East Africa. Kyle was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards and 10 deployments. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend whose passion for life was contagious. His sharp wit and magnetic
personality made lasting impressions on everyone he met. Kyle was highly competitive in all aspects of his life. He displayed incredible talent as a dedicated warrior, yet stayed grounded through his faith, family, and teammates. Kyle’s captivating presence and colorful storytelling regularly had an entire room in hysterics. In 1998, Kyle walked onto University of Connecticut’s (UCONN) Track and Field program where he made every single one of his teammates a better runner, athlete, and person with his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment and drive–the very foundation for his success as a SEAL and in life.
Kyle joined the Navy in 2002 after graduating from UCONN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. On December 12, 2002, he entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training in Coronado, CA. After nine months of the most grueling and demanding training in the military, he graduated in September 2003. Kyle served in East coast-based Naval Special Warfare units throughout his career.
Kyle was highly decorated throughout his 15-year career. His awards include the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) for heroic actions in combat, and earning FIVE Bronze Star Medals with Valor. He also received the: Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon (3), Presidential Unit Citation (3), Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.
Although he was a dedicated professional, Kyle’s greatest passion in life was his role as a husband and father. Kyle met his wife, Erin, in 2005—and it was love at first sight. They married in 2008 in Virginia Beach. Kyle became a father when his son Finley was born in 2011; his daughter, Emme, followed in 2013. Both children had their father wrapped around their fingers, and they were best friends. Kyle always rushed home from work to be with his family, and on any given day could be seen outside playing with his children, enjoying all of life’s blessings. Kyle lived his life to the fullest—with a full, warm, and generous heart.
Kyle was the cornerstone of his family, friends, and teammates and is profoundly missed.