ARLINGTON, Va. - Meet Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington Employee Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Burnish.
Name: Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Burnish
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Years of Federal Service: 12
Hobbies: Exercise, ride motorcycle, travel and family
Where do you work? 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
What is your job title? Senior Career Counselor
Describe your job.
I assist Soldiers reach their goals and help the Army keep the best Soldiers. The qualifications to stay in the Army are getting higher all the time. There are about 1,800 Soldiers in the Old Guard that the retention office works with. I see an average of 15-20 Soldiers a day. I talk to each Soldier at least twice, once when they arrive here and again later in their tour. I try to do as much with the Soldiers as possible, like PT, because I want them to understand that I’m part of the unit. Each individual is different than the rest.
What type of activities are you involved in?
I am involved in several activities and groups; The Adjutant General Corp (Potomac Chapter) Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Master Resiliency Trainer for 1st Battalion 3d US Infantry Regiment, Tragedy Assistant Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Army 10 Miler, Honor Flights, Marine Corp half marathon, Norwegian Foot March for food drive, Shirlington Village running Club, and several other charity events to promote the Army and The Old Guard.
Why is it important to be involved in these community activities?
As a career counselor I am here to address the issues facing our Soldiers and the progression of their careers. Being active in our local community helps promote the Army and The Old Guard. I really feel more connected to the Army family.
Why did you want to be a career counselor?
I was an infantry Soldier, first. Then I was assigned as a recruiter and I really enjoyed it, but I really wanted to be at the unit level and help Soldiers achieve their goals. Our goal as career counselors is to provide professional development advice to Soldiers during their time in the Army and also to help them transition out of the Army.
What do you like best about your job?
I enjoy helping the Soldiers in our organization realize their full potential in the military and also in their civilian life, after their active duty career.
What is your most memorable experience during your time here at MDW?
I would say that the most memorable experience was assisting a Soldier that recently enlisted in the Army. His goal was to get into the new Army MOS 51C (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology). This was a rare circumstance as I had helped him enlist into the Army when I was a recruiter, and later as a career counselor, I was able to help guide him and into his new career path. It was such a great feeling.
Would you recommend working here to other Soldiers or federal employees?
I would say yes, I would recommend others to work here because of the important mission that The Old Guard has to accomplish. Some of the best Soldiers that are in the Army are stationed here at the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.