After Two Tours In Vietnam, He Devoted His Life To Supporting Fellow Veterans

Rocky Hill, CT — From their time in uniform to their everyday contributions across our communities, veterans embody service in many forms. At the Sgt. John Levitow Healthcare Center, residents like Navy Seabee Richard D. Burns continue to inspire those around them through lives marked by courage, sacrifice and devotion. Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight veterans whose stories deserve to be shared.

This story was submitted by Donica Burns Johnson, who nominated her father.

Tell us about the veteran's service.

My father did two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was in-country, and his second tour he was a journalist. He was the oldest out of five and was drafted the first time; the second time he reenlisted. My father loved his country and his comrades. In 1986, he moved our family to Midland, Texas, where he helped start the first Vietnam Vet Center there. He helped many vets get the help they needed and counseled countless others with PTSD. He now suffers from a degenerative spinal disorder caused by being sprayed with Agent Orange and also has Alzheimer's. We love him and honor his service to our country.

How do you know the veteran?

I am proud to say he is my dad.

What makes the veteran someone your community should know about?

His life after was spent fighting his own PTSD while helping other vets do the same.

How would you describe the veteran?

Honorable, dedicated, courageous and loved.

Want to show your appreciation for a veteran in your community? We want to hear from you! Click here to answer a few questions, and your response could be featured on Patch.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.