Last week, Jacksonville Sergeant Brett Burton was awarded a Purple Heart. Purple Heart was created by General George Washington in 1782 and awarded to members of the US military who were wounded or killed.
In 2011, while fighting in one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous regions, Burton and his squad were attacked when Burton was injured by an enemy improvised explosive device (IED). Sergeant. Burton’s courage and sacrifice reflects great achievements in his own right, in the highest traditions of the US Marines and the US Navy.
“The real hero is in Arlington,” Burton said. “I’m just happy to be alive, I did my job, nothing more.”
Burton is a member of the Semper Fidelis Association and Navy in Jacksonville, the local marine branch. He was an advisor to the Jacksonville student organization, where he led four Marines to worship services, serving as one soldier and two police officers. Burton said that the positive impact the mentors have had on their lives gives them free mentoring.
“Being in a positive environment is something that every combat veteran needs when he returns from work abroad,” Burton said.
