This past week, Sergeant Brett Burton of Jacksonville was awarded the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart was created by General George Washington in 1782, and is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in action.
In 2011, while conducting combat operations in one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan, Burton and his platoon were under attack when Burton was injured by an enemy Improvised Explosion Device (IED). Sgt. Burton’s bravery and sacrifice reflected great credit upon himself, his country, and is in the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
“The real heroes are in Arlington,” Burton said. “I’m just glad to be alive, I did my job, nothing more.”
Burton is member of the Semper Fidelis Society of Jacksonville, a local Marine Chapter and Navy Corpsman. He alsoserves as an advisor to a student organization in Jacksonville where he has mentored four Marines into the service, and one Soldier into the Army, as well as two police officers. Burton said he provides the mentoring for no charge due to the positive impact mentors made on his own life.
“Being in a positive environment is what every combat veteran needs when they return from service overseas,” Burton said.
