Episode 32 Melanie Milburn
Melanie Milburn is a very special woman running for Alderman of ward 6. Originally from Biloxi, Melanie originally wished to pursue a career in education. Elementary education, if memory serves me correct. During her time at the University of Southern Mississippi, her ROTC friends sold the idea of joining the officer corps of the United States Air Force. She approached a recruiter, who in turn told her an elementary teaching degree wasn’t necessarily desirable for the Air Force. She promptly changed her degree to mathematics and a 25 year Air Force ensued, culminating in her achievement of the rank of colonel.
Now, I’m certainly biased, at least to some degree, in my conversation with Melanie. She and I are cut from a similar cloth. We each served in the Air Force and we’re both from this wonderful gulf coast area. When we first met, she was apprehensive and cautious, as most are who come on my show. Yet, in that caution, a sense of courage, competence, and confidence lay just under the surface—ready to emerge. Towards the end of this interview, she did emerge.
Melanie is a wonderful spirit who has held command authority for much of her military career. To be clear, command authority is an extension of both the executive and legislative branches of government. Many will never fully understand what level of responsibility accompanies command authority. As evidence of her successful leverage of that authority, she made colonel. That is no small feat, and to be awarded that rank can only achieved through the careful decision making and use of her authority that continues across time—more than 20 years in this case. It takes reputation to achieve that rank. People must be able to trust you and rely on you. To make colonel and above, one must live and act in such a way where one’s words and actions match. To live in this way is to live with integrity and trust; by being trust-worthy; being truth-full; and being trust-ing.
On this episode we explore her background as well as Ocean Springs. We talk about key issues in this election and her personal ideas for continuing the responsible growth of Ocean Springs while never losing site of the artistic and diverse community which make up the organics of this wonderful city of discovery.
Everyone, I do hope you enjoy this episode. Everyone please welcome, Melanie Milburn.
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