Academic and Career Accomplishments
Colonel David Norman Burton was born July 19, 1956 in Ravenna, Ohio. The older of two children, he attended Kent State University on a full ROTC scholarship. He graduated in 1979 with a B.S. in Biology and, later earned a M.S. degree in Counseling and Personnel Services from Memphis State University. Colonel Burton was commissioned in August 1979 through ROTC and attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB in Texas from April 1980-81 where he earned his pilot wings. He was one of 22 original experimental pilots selected for Project Season and was assigned to the Air National Guard in Memphis, TN. While on active duty in Memphis, he served as a C-130 Squadron Pilot, Aircraft Commander and Pilot Scheduler. He was then assigned to 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron, Clark AB, Republic of Phillipines in October 1984 where he gained experience as a C-130 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, Squadron Mobility Officer and Wing Standardization/Evaluation Pilot. Colonel Burton separated from active duty October 1987 and one month later joined the 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard. He has experience as a C-130/C-141 Instructor/ Evaluator Pilot, Flight Commander, Wing Exercise/Evaluation Team Commander, Squadron Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Vice Wing Commander and ultimately Wing Commander. As a Wing Commander he was responsible for the mission readiness of 8 C-141 Starlifters and conversion to 9 C-5A Galaxy aircraft. David Burton retired from the Air National Guard in October 2007. His Professional Military Education includes Squadron Officer’s School (Distinguished Graduate), Air Command and Staff School and Air War College. The Colonel’s many awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. In his civilian capacity, Dave has been a Check Airman/ Instructor Pilot on the Boeing 727 as well as Captain of International Boeing 757’s/767’s with Delta Airlines. Dave currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee and is married to Dr. Marion Burton. He is the proud father of two children, Jennifer, 25, and Ross, 20. Their combined family also includes daughter Gabe, and husband, Brient, along with daughter Laurie, and husband Nathan. They have three grandchildren, Chase, Jack and Rosie.