PFC Gerald Burke values and respects the meaning of the word resilience.

"My grandfather taught me the value of resilience," began the intelligence analyst assigned to 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, part of the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

That lesson learned has led to Burke's earning an appointment to the graduating class of 2026 at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

"West Point offers a challenging four years with a lifetime of payoff. I want to hold myself to West Point's high standards. I want to be a leader," explained Burke.

"While there, I will receive the best education and leadership training that the U.S. Military has to offer. I will give back by pursuing the Army as my career." 

He also pointed out that his service as an enlisted soldier will benefit him while at the academy, and that he plans to share his experiences as a soldier with his classmates.

"I will be an asset to those around me," added Burke.

But underlying his commitment to the nation and to those he serves with, there is also a deep historical connection that runs back to both the American Revolution and the War in Vietnam.

Born in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Burke was raised in a small but historic town called Washington Crossing. During the Revolution, it is there on the night of Dec. 25 and 26, 1776 that Gen. George Washington and 2,400 soldiers crossed the Delaware River, marched on Trenton, New Jersey, and then surprised and routed the over 1,400 Hessian soldiers serving with British forces.

"My family's military service dates all the way back to the Revolutionary War," continued Burke.

After graduating from Council Rock North High School and then working for a little over a year at a veteran-owned and operated restoration company, Burke enlisted on July 2, 2020 with the intention of serving as an intelligence analyst.

"I decided to enlist because I had some very strong veteran role models in my life," explained Burke.

One of those role models is his grandfather, Captain David A. Christian, a soldier who Burke said has had the greatest influence in his life.

Christian was the youngest and most decorated officer of the Vietnam War. He was commissioned at 18, promoted to captain at 20, and medically retired at 21. In that short time, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars with V devices, seven Purple Hearts, and two Air Medals.

"I've been working towards acceptance to West Point for years now, and I have dealt with countless challenges along the way," concluded Burke.

"My grandfather's lessons about resilience have been the greatest determining factor of my success."