Retired major general speaks to chamber

Maj. Gen. David Burford (Ret.) with the Alabama National Guard spoke to the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday about the important roles veterans play in the country.

Burford’s speech came two days after Veterans Day. Burford, who retired from military service in 2011, also worked for Southern Company for 40 years before retiring in July 2018. He has received numerous awards and honors for his service, and was one of the first soldiers on the ground after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, deploying to Afghanistan within 100 days of 9/11.

“I know I won’t forget my service,” Burford said. “... I’m passionate about veterans and their service. I’m passionate about how the community treats them when they return [from service].”

Burford spent time telling the audience about how veterans often face not only physical scars from their time protecting the country, but also the mental and emotional scars of post-traumatic stress disorder, which often goes undiagnosed for months after the triggering incident, Burford said.

Burford also talked about the many people who influenced and shaped his life, and reflected on the 27 funerals he’s led since 9/11.

“Not one family member told me this wasn’t worth it,” Burford said.

When soldiers go to basic training, gathered together from a variety of backgrounds, a common bond is forged, Burford said. That bond is shared, not just among American soldiers, but among the nation’s many allies, seen in the rapid response of American allies when the U.S. responded to 9/11 by targeting terrorists in Afghanistan, Burford said.

As those veterans have returned home and continue to return home, Burford urged business leaders gathered at the meeting to consider the skills they bring to the table.

“[Veterans] are willing to work,” Burford said. “They have perseverance and grit. They have attention to detail that matches no other. … They’re compassionate.”

The U.S. is successful because of the sacrifices veterans have made, Burford said.

“Veterans have paved the way for the success we enjoy in this nation today, and they also pave the way for the nation we should be,” Burford said.

While members of the “greatest generation” may be leaving us soon, Burford said he believes we will witness the next “greatest generation.”

Burford challenged business leaders and city leaders to use their civic positions to “advance” the United States, and urged everyone to never forget the sacrifices veterans have made and to pass down and retell their stories.

“Make us the nation they fought for and died for,” Burford said.

PREVIEW OF DECEMBER LUNCHEON

The December chamber of commerce meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Country Club, and will include, in addition to the monthly lunch and networking opportunities, the Vestavia Hills High School singing group, “Just Singin’,” chamber president Karen Odle said.