CSM Don Mark Burrows

LIFE EVENTS: Second of four children, grew up with the love of his family. Married and was blessed with 3 wonderful children. In his adult life, the love for his Country naturally drew him to the military. Throughout his life he had the love of a large family which consisted of children, grandchildren, brothers, a sister, cousins and multiple friends and co-workers. He resided in Noble, Oklahoma, with his wife Dawn. They attended church at Maguire Baptist Church. In his last years he lived privately with family, a couple of horses and dogs. In his death he now lives with family and friends that have gone before him in the presence of the Lord.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Don M. Burrows was born on November 7, 1956, in Okmulgee, Okla. He began his military career in 1975, when he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He attended Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From basic he attended A.I.T. for training as a Huey (UH-1H) (67N) mechanic at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he then reported to Lexington, OK. He was assigned as an Aircraft Mechanic / Crew Chief in Detachment 2 HHC 45th Infantry Brigade. Aviation. He has been assigned several positions throughout the years, during that time earning the Aircraft Master Crew Member Badge. In 1985 he went to work full time as a Federal Technician at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Lexington, Okla., working as an aircraft mechanic. He retired there as an Aircraft Mechanic Supervisor on 1 June 2016 with 31 years.

CSM Burrows served in a variety of leadership and staff positions in the last 37 years, including, Detachment 1, Company B and Company D, 1st Battalion, 245th Aviation Special Operations as a Helicopter Technical Inspector, Detachment 1, Company G, 149th Aviation NCOIC. Company B, 834th Aviation Maintenance Company First Sergeant. Aviation Operations Senior Sergeant. Aviation Sergeant Major, Operations Senior Sergeant. Aviation Sergeant and 345th Combat and 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Command Sergeant Major. He deployed and served in two Campaigns: In 2003 and 2008 / 2009 for Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Global War on Terrorism. He also deployed to Lop Buri Thailand in 1987.

CSM Burrows military education included the United States Sergeant's Major Academy, Reserve Component First Sergeant Course, Aviation Accident Prevention Course, ANCOC, BNCOC, and PLDC, 67N (UH-IH) Helicopter Repairman Course, 67T (UH-60) Helicopters Repairman Course, and 67U (CH-47) Helicopter Repairman Course. ARNG Battle Skills Course, Battle Focus Instructors Training Course, and Aviation Mishap Prevention Course.

CSM Burrows federal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Arm Achievement Medal with 1 oak leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Gold Hour Glass and numeral 2, the Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the Army Master Aviation Badge.

CSM Burrows recently received The Honorable Order of Saint Michael.

CSM Burrows was a 1975 graduate of Edmond High School. He attended Rose State College and was named on the Presidents Honor Roll. He has several Federal Aviation Administration licenses that include: A Private Pilot's License, Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics Licenses, Inspectors Authorization License. He was a member of the Army Aviation Association of America, Enlisted Association of the United States and National Guard Association of Oklahoma.

SURVIVED BY: Wife Dawn Burrows; Son Jason Burrows and Wife Jennie; Daughter Janet Benoit; Daughter Brooke White and Husband Kyle; 9 Grandchildren: Tharen, Sam, Claire, Paige, Chase, Hayden, Angelina, Sophia and Ava; Stepchildren Shawna and Dustin and their 5 children. Don’s Sister and her 4 daughters, Audrey, Amanda, Ashley and Anna; Brother Dennis Burrows and wife Kimberly; and brother David Burrows.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: Father Don Earl Burrows and Mother Myrtle Betheline Burrows.