Over three decades of service, Charles E. Milam, the Defense Department’s principal director of Military Community and Family Policy, has dedicated himself to helping improve the lives of service members and their families.

His expansive portfolio includes helping military families stay in touch with their deployed loved ones overseas and improving combat readiness through the Healthy Base Initiative.

“All of Chuck’s work is cutting-edge and cost-effective, with a laser-sharp focus on the well-being of troops and their families,” said Rosemary Williams, the DOD deputy assistant secretary for military community and family policy. “He has impacted the military community so positively and so globally.”

For his efforts improving the lives of millions of service members and their families by instituting programs that help deployed soldiers stay in touch with loved ones, the Partnership for Public Service recently named Milam as one of the finalists for the 2014 Career Achievement Medal. The award recognizes a federal employee who has made significant contributions over a lifetime in public service.

GETTING TO KNOW CHARLES MILAM

Federal News Radio asked each of the Sammies finalists five questions about themselves. Here are Milam’s responses:

What three words best describe your leadership philosophy?
Integrity, Service, Excellence.

What’s the best piece of advice (or words of wisdom) you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?
Always do the right thing … even when no one is watching (My Dad).

Who is your greatest role model and why?
My parents: I grew up in a military family. We moved frequently and my dad was often deployed to Vietnam. My parents defined who I am with strong values (strong work ethic, adaptability, honesty and integrity, confidence and loyalty).

What’s the last thing you read and what’s next on your reading list?
“One Day Too Long“. Next up: “American Sniper“.

Who would you most like to have lunch with and why?
Colin Powell. He’s a fascinating leader that I’ve followed my entire career. His leadership is all about people and that’s exactly why I serve.

The Career Achievement Medal is just one of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) presented annually by the Partnership for Public Service. View a photo gallery of all the Sammies nominees.

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