Photo By Lance Cpl. Sharon D. Kyle | LCpl Justin Burbank with Wounded Warrior Battalion East, from Elmira, N.Y., runs...... read more read more
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BUFFALO, N.Y. - Once a Marine, always a Marine. Though this may sound cliché, one Marine’s experience is proof the Marine Corps is an everlasting brotherhood that never leaves one of their fellow warriors behind.
Lance Cpl. Justin Burbank, a native of Elmira, N. Y., enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17 years of age with his parents’ consent. Sgt. Kristopher J. Shelton, a former recruiter at Recruiting Substation Horseheads, Recruiting Station Buffalo, originally drew Burbank to his office to talk about the Marines.
Shelton laid it all out without beating around any bushes, said Burbank, who was convinced that the Marine Corps offered him the challenge he desired.
Although Shelton moved onto a new duty station, Sgt. Dorran Martin, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of RSS Horseheads, said Burbank was just the kind of highly qualified individual the Marine Corps desires within its ranks.
“He is a shining example of what it means to be a Marine. He never lets adversity get in the way of what he wants to accomplish,” said Martin. “He is always trying to help people become better than what they are.”
Prior to joining the Marines, Burbank was a part of Martin’s Delayed Entry Program, which is designed to help future Marines physically and mentally prepare themselves for what they will endure at Marine Corps recruit training. Burbank never missed any of the physical training functions and was always the first to finish the running portion and would run back to motivate the others to cross the line.
“I knew I always wanted to be a part of something that would change my life forever,” said Burbank. “Joining the Marine Corps means being a part of the most elite fighting force in the world.”
Burbank’s mentality while in the program carried over to his time in the Marine Corps.
A wrestler and track runner at Southside High School, Burbank not only took on the challenge of joining the Marine Corps, but he would also become a Marine scout sniper for Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.
“I knew right away I wanted to be that less than one percent who become scout snipers,” said Burbank.
Burbank served a tour in Afghanistan where he was injured by an improvised explosive device that fractured his left tibia and fibula. The Marine Corps was there for Burbank and his family. His parents were flown to Portsmith, Va., to see their son.
Since his return in 2012, his fractures have made a full recovery although he has no feeling below his left knee.
During Burbank’s recovery he has participated in the Warrior Games, where he was selected as one of the top 50 Marines to go compete against other branches. Thanks to the Semper Fi Fund, Burbank received the training he needs to get into competitions with other wounded warriors. Selections are made based on how well Marines perform in events such as track, cycling and volleyball.
Now that Burbank is home he plans to use the Montgomery GI Bill, a program that pays for school tuition at the rate of the highest state college, to enroll in one of the local colleges.
With the experiences and programs that helped Burbank develop into the man he is today, Burbank recommends the Marines Corps for other high school students looking for a career choice.
“I think any kid who wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves should look into the Marines. It will change you for the rest of your life,” he said. “It’s not for everyone; it takes an individual who is dedicated to a life of honor.”
Burbank exemplifies the challenging sacrifices Marines make for their country and Corps. He is also an example of what the Marine brotherhood is all about, as the Marine Corps continues to take care of one of their own.
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2013 10:43 |
| Story ID: | 112600 |
| Location: | NY, US |
| Web Views: | 173 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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