MILITARY SERVICE leaves a lasting mark — one that extends far beyond the years spent in uniform. For Shiro Burnette Sr., who served from 1989 to 1993 during Operation Desert Storm, that mark is evident in his discipline, resilience, and commitment to duty. The values shaped during his time in service continue to guide how he approaches life, faith, and relationships today.
Burnette entered the military with a clear purpose.
“When I first enlisted in the military, I always wanted to be part of a team that could make a difference,” he said.
After researching various roles, he chose field artillery, drawn to the complexity and power of the howitzers, known among soldiers as the “Big Guns.” The position required focus, technical skill, and the ability to operate effectively within a coordinated unit.
He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, with the 1st Infantry Division, widely known as the “Big Red One.” During that time, Burnette adopted a motto that still shapes his approach to life: “No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty first.” The demands of military life reinforced consistency, accountability, and trust among fellow soldiers.
Daily life in a field artillery unit required discipline and structure. Mornings typically began with physical training, followed by high-intensity field exercises designed to prepare soldiers for combat conditions. Equipment maintenance was a critical responsibility that included detailed inspections of M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, Humvees, and other transport vehicles. Each component had to function properly, and every soldier played a role in ensuring readiness.
During Desert Storm, Burnette served as a gunner. His responsibilities included aiming and firing artillery with precision while operating within strict safety parameters. Every decision required accuracy and awareness, making attention to detail essential for both mission success and the safety of those involved.
His deployment carried an added layer of significance, as several members of his family were also serving in the same conflict, including his brother with the 101st Airborne Division, as well as multiple cousins and an uncle.
“We laughed, talked, cried, and most of all prayed that we would return home safely,” Burnette recalled.
That conversation clarified the risks they faced and strengthened his sense of responsibility. Knowing his family members were also in harm’s way sharpened his focus.
“It changed how I viewed my time overseas,” he said. “I was determined to do my best and return home to my family.”
That determination shaped how he approached each day during deployment.
One of the most significant moments of his service came just before the ground war began. As a 19-year-old soldier, Burnette stood with his unit as their battery commander outlined the missions ahead. The briefing addressed both operational plans and the realities of combat.
“He explained the missions and how to handle it if we saw someone lose their lives in front of us,” Burnette said. “That was very impactful for a 19-year-old to take in.”
The weight of that moment remained with him long after.
Following his time in the military, Burnette carried those lessons into civilian life.
“I have carried the discipline that I gained from the military throughout my life,” he explained.
In his work, relationships, and personal decisions, he credits his time in service with shaping his character and reinforcing his integrity.
His perspective is also grounded in faith and family. Coming from a family with a strong history of military service, Burnette sees that legacy as both meaningful and formative.
“I am a firm believer in God, family, and country,” he said. “For all of us who have taken the oath to defend this nation, there is a brotherhood that cannot fully be described.”
Burnette’s journey began at 17, when he asked his mother to sign a waiver allowing him to enlist. That decision marked the beginning of a path that would influence the direction of his life. Looking back, he recognizes its significance.
“It was one of the best accomplishments of my life because it shaped me into the man of God that I am today,” he reflected.
His experience reflects the lasting impact of military service. The discipline, responsibility, leadership skills, and commitment developed during those years continue to shape how he lives and engages with others. For Shiro Burnette Sr., service did not end with his time in uniform — it continues to inform his life, his faith, and his role in his community. GN
