Marine’s Lifelong Passion Supports Deployed Operations

CAMP LEATHERNECK – “I got my first 4-wheeler when I was 5, and I've been tinkering with and fixing things ever since,” said Burkhart. He said that his grandfather, Milton, and his brother, Jeremy, were big influences in his life. Both of them loved mechanics, and Burkhart grew up learning and working with them.

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Burkhart and his mother, Deb, worked on a 1981 Toyota pick-up truck together. It was his mother’s first truck, and was also the oldest truck he has worked on. “My mom and I took pride in it together,” said Burkhart. “It’s cool to see how far we’ve come in vehicle technology,” he said. His favorite vehicle to work on: the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle. “They're easy to work on, and it’s the newest thing to come out in the Marine Corps,” said Burkhart. “I love learning everything there is to know about the new vehicles.” Lance Cpl. Edward Miuccio, who has known Burkhart since he settled in Camp Lejeune about 1-1/2 years ago, said that he can tell Burkhart is motivated, just by his attitude and confidence while at work. “He's energetic and enjoys his job,” said Miuccio, line NCO. “We work together to fix the trucks on the lot.” Burkhart said, “There's nothing better than getting a truck that doesn’t run, then being able to take it out for a road test, because I fixed it.” When his active-duty commitment ends, he wants to work on the sustainment team for Oshkosh Defense. Oshkosh Defense supplies the M-ATV’s to the Marine Corps, and the sustainment team sends techs to work hand-in-hand with Marines, to fix any issues with the vehicles in county. “The Oshkosh guys here really enjoy their jobs, and are very helpful, friendly people,” said Burkhart. “I’d be able to concentrate on just the M-ATV, instead of the other vehicles here.” Miuccio said that one of his favorite memories of him and Burkhart is staying up on Christmas playing Wii until 2 in the morning, just laughing and relaxing. “He's a good guy, and would give the shirt off his back for any of his friends,” said Miuccio. “I’d trust him with my life.”

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