LIBERTY — Col. Duncan Milne, a Liberty resident and Republican, has announced his candidacy for Maine State Senate District 11.  

Senate District 11 includes the communities of Belfast, Belmont, Brooks, Burnham, Frankfort, Freedom, Islesboro, Jackson, Knox, Liberty, Lincolnville, Monroe, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Palermo, Prospect, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Swanville, Thorndike, Troy, Unity, Waldo, and Winterport.

Milne, a retired USMC Colonel, serves as President of the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

“I have dedicated my life to serving our country and to helping those who have been touched by military service,” Col. Milne said in a statement. “After decades away due to my own service, I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream and return to Maine. Our state is an incredibly special place, and I want to get to work to help it thrive. It would be an honor to continue my journey of service as the next State Senator for District 11.”

Col. Milne is an experienced leader with 25 years of active duty combat and non-combat experience in the United States Marine Corps, according to a press release. While on active duty, he primarily served as an AH-1W attack helicopter pilot.  His experience also includes serving in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Col. Milne retired from active service in 2011 and joined the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services in 2015. He is a recognized national leader who works across the United States to break down barriers and connect individuals and organizations with easily accessible solutions that veterans and military families need to find meaningful employment, education and training, housing, and wellness in the communities where they live, the release noted. 

Col. Milne is the recipient of numerous combat, operational, and support awards, per the release. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from the Air War College, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Col. Milne and his wife, Therese, reside in Liberty.

“Col. Milne has an extraordinarily impressive resume,” said Sen. Dana Dow in the release. “He is a proven leader and a dedicated public servant who will no doubt work extremely hard for the people of Senate District 11. A decorated veteran, he has always put others before himself and is running for office to continue working for the public good. I look forward to serving with him in the Legislature.” 

“Choosing to return to Maine after decades away as he served our nation shows how dedicated Col. Milne is to our state’s future,” said Sen. Jeff Timberlake in the release. “I’m proud to have him join the candidates running for Maine Senate, and look forward to working with him in 2020.” 

Former Senate President Michael Thibodeau is serving as Milne’s campaign treasurer, according to the release.