George Burk

George Burk: Profile

In May 1970, he was the sole survivor of 14 passengers in a military plane crash. The crew was enroute to Spokane, Washington to conduct an operational analysis. Ascending through 3000’, the aircraft experienced rapid de-compression and massive structural failure, crashing in the hills near Schellville, California. He suffered severe burns and multiple internal injuries. George spent 90 days in Intensive Care where he had two Near Death Experiences, and spent 18 months in the hospital. He was medically retired from the Air Force in 1971.

His awards include: The Bronze Star; Air Force Commendation Medal; Presidential Award for Outstanding Employee with a Disability; Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability; Department of the Navy Outstanding Employee with a Disability; Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award; and the Adrian College, (Michigan) Alumni Achievement Award.

In 1998, George was inducted into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adrian College in 1963 and a Master of Arts degree from Webster University in 1975.

George has over 25 years teaching experience at the university and community college level and is a contributing writer for several magazines and newsletters in the United States.

George is a guest speaker at the United States Naval Academy on issues of Character Development, Ethics and Leadership. He is also a guest speaker at West Point on The Professional Military Ethic and Character Development, the Phoenix, Arizona and Glendale, Arizona Fire Academies and private, non-profit and professional organizations on issues of Leadership, Core Values, Adversity, Safety, Health and Wellness, and Life Skills.

He has appeared as a guest on a number of radio stations around the country, Canada and several news and TV stations in Phoenix, Arizona. In February, 2001, George’s story was profiled on the Discovery Health Channel; Lifeforce: Overcoming Obstacles.

George is the author of: The Bridge Never Crossed - A Survivor’s Search for Meaning; Value Centered Leadership - A Survivor’s Strategy for Personal and Professional Growth; and My Mother My Friend - The Story of a Boy and the Love of His Mother.