Milton E. Suggs was known for his love of flying. Other aviators called him more than able and said that part of his mission in Djibouti was flying a plane described as a “VIP transport,” intended for dignitaries such as members of Congress and high-ranking officers.

“He was an exceptional aviator,” said Keith “Doc” Dockery, base manager at Air Logistics in Galliano, where Suggs worked and was a friend for more than 20 years.

Suggs, 51, of Lockport, La., died Jan. 30 at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, of injuries from a non-combat incident. He was assigned to Hammond, La. He was an avid aviator who owned his own Piper aircraft.

“He was very knowledgeable and very skillful, probably the best,” Dockery said. “He was dedicated to anything he undertook. If he told you he was going to do something, he would take it to the bank. If he gave you his word, it was.”

Suggs and his wife, Kim, were married in 1994 in the living room of their Lockport home. Both have long reputations for civic involvement in Lockport. He also is survived by one daughter, Sophia Suggs, and one grandchild, Erica Hurst.