JSD Dining Out
March 08, 2008
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Master Sergeant Richard C. Burnette, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was selected as the 2006 Army Times Soldier of the Year. Burnette gained notoriety due to his life changing experience in Baghdad. "The day started off like any other," he commented, however, a suicide bomber changed the course of his day and his life. The Blast caused him to lose his right and left thumbs, his left arm was fractured in three places and the median and radial nerves were also severely injured. He had taken shrapnel to both thighs and his left hip. His left elbow was completely shattered and he lost hearing in his left ear.

Despite his injuries, he found the strength and inspiration from other injured soldiers to work very hard rehabilitating himself. Before long, he was able to walk again, but would never forget the day he got hit. "I realized that I was alive, not only because of the unit's response in treating me and getting me to a medical facility, but because the equipment I was wearing prevented further catastrophic injuries at the time of the blast." This knowledge ignited a passion to pass on the life-saving value of personal protective equipment (PPE) to other soldiers.

Burnette is the single parent of three children.

His story is one of courage and leadership. He is undoubtedly a hero and an inspiration.

Program:

Social Hour
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Recognition of Distinguished Guests
Toast to the President of the United States
Toast to the Governor of South Carolina
Toast to the Adjutant General and SC Military Department
Dinner

Menu:
Tossed Green Salad
Queen's Cut Roast Prime Rib or Beef
Cheese Stuffed Potatoes
Julienne Vegetables
Key Lime Pie

Remarks: Major General Stanhope Spears
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Speaker: MSG Richard Burnette
Recognitions/Presentations
"A Gift from The Guard"
Benediction: Colonel James Hammond