As Nava presented his challenge coin to Burrell and Colson, he added, “These guys are true experts.”
Besides the challenge coins, Burrell and Colson both received the Legion of Merit, certificates of appreciation from Gov. Susana Martinez, certificates of service from the National Guard Bureau, letters of appreciation from Nava, New Mexico flags, and U.S. flags, which were ceremoniously unfolded and folded in front of them and the audience.
Burrell and Colson helped present their wives with Military Spouse’s Certificates in honor of their contributions and gave bouquets of flowers and gifts to them and other members of their families.
“You’re leaving behind a legacy,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lawrence Jiron, the state’s Command Chief Warrant Officer. “You’re leaving behind all these younger pilots you’ve coached and mentored, but you’re still part of the family.”
During their remarks, Burrell and Colson paid tribute to their wives, families, and people with whom they served during their long and distinguished careers.
“First and most importantly, I want to thank and recognize my wife Sukrae,” said Burrell. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
Burrell also credited his success to his mother, a retired registered nurse, and his late father who voluntarily enlisted to serve in the Korean War.
Burrell enlisted as a TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile) gunner in the Oregon National Guard in 1983. He transferred to active duty with the U.S. Army in 1986, serving as a UH-1H Iroquois crew chief.
Burrell graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School in 1988 and Initial Entry Rotary Wing School in 1989. He spent 10 years on active duty flying the UH-1H and UH-60 Black Hawk before transferring to the New Mexico National Guard.
In New Mexico, Burrell became a C-12 pilot in addition to maintaining his UH-1H and UH-60 qualifications.
Burrell deployed to Kosovo once in 2002 and twice to Afghanistan, 2003-2004 and 2011-2012. His decorations include the Bronze Star medal, two Air Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and five Army Commendation Medals. A Master Aviator, Burrell has flown nearly 7,000 accident-free and incident free hours.
“I’ve served in New Mexico for the last 20 years and that’s really defined who I am,” said Burrell.
Colson dropped out of high school in his hometown of Clovis, N.M., but quickly realized that he needed some direction in his life. He joined the NMNG in 1977 as a Tactical Wire Operations Specialist. He went on to graduate from Officer Candidate School, commissioning as a second lieutenant in Field Artillery.
Colson graduated from IERW in 1983, qualifying as a UH-1H pilot. He converted to warrant officer in 1992 to keep flying and qualified in both the UH-60 and C-12. “All I wanted to do was fly,” he said.
Colson has deployed twice to Kosovo, 2002 and 2006, and one to Afghanistan in 2012. He holds the Master Aviator Badge, an Air Medal, and three Army Commendation Medals among his decorations.
“First of all, I’d like to thank my wife for all the support she’s given me,” said Colson.
Noting that Burrell had already recognized many of the same people Colson intended to mention, Colson paid tribute to Burrell.
“Dave was my mentor when I first got here,” said Colson. “Dave built this program.”
While Colson fulfilled his educational goals, he also made sure that his children did not repeat his mistake of dropping out. His oldest son recently completed a master’s degree and his daughter is a freshman at the University of New Mexico.
Colson’s final flight as an aviator was to his hometown of Clovis.
Summing up his 41-year career, Colson said, “It’s been a privilege.”
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