On the recordOctober 29, 2019
On November 7, Utah will honor a soldier's soldier. For the past 7 years, the men and women of the Utah National Guard have been inspired by Major General Jefferson S. Burton. General Burton was chosen for his battle-tested grit and resolve. In 2003, this fourth-generation Utahn led the 14-57th Engineer Battalion into Iraq. Living under constant threat of IEDs and ambush, General Burton was even tasked with luring the hyenas, bears, and lions of the Baghdad Zoo back into their enclosures after the Iraqi Republican Guard released them into the streets. His troops tell me that General Burton is a leader who takes the time to teach and mentor others, helping them recognize their own potential. General Burton is highly educated. He is kind. He is deeply spiritual. But what he values most is his wife, Charn, whose support has allowed him to serve. General Burton often tells his soldiers: ``I am asking a lot, but we will accomplish the mission.'' After 37 years of service, we say to General Burton: Mission accomplished. ____________________
