Nathan R.W. Burke

Airman Nathan Burke joined the U.S. Navy in August 2020. He excelled in basic training and was awarded The Recruit Honor Ribbon. After basic training, he reported to Aviation Rescue swimmer School in Pensacola, Florida. Burke died after he became unresponsive during a high-risk training evolution, training to save fellow service members.

Nathan lived a selfless and God-loving life. He never quit making the most of his life, helping, coaching, and mentoring others to be their best. Nor did his infectious smile and positive life outlook ever quit. The Navy Air Rescue Swimmer motto is, “So others may live.” Nathan continued this mantra through the gift of life via the organ donor program.

Airman Burke was posthumously awarded the Rescue Swimmer Honor Man Award, since renamed the Nathan Burke Honor Man Award. He was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for “consistently set the standard of excellence for motivation, compassion, and mentorship, enthusiastically supporting his fellow sailors at every possible opportunity.