Marine's Passion Supports Operations
(January 10, 2011) |
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (1/5/2011) – An
energetic and upbeat Marine from the countryside
of Dutton, Va., spends his time here doing a job
he has always loved to do.
Lance Cpl.
Christopher L. Burkhart, a diesel mechanic with
motor transport, Regimental Combat Team 2, grew
up working on four wheelers and trucks, now he
works on every type of vehicle the Marine Corps
has to offer.
“I got my first four
wheeler when I was five and I have been
tinkering with and fixing things ever since,”
said Burkhart.
Burkhart said 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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Lance Cpl. Christopher L. Burkhart, a diesel mechanic with motor transport, Regimental Combat Team 2, spends his time in Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, doing a job he has always loved to do. He grew up working on four wheelers and trucks, now he works on every type of vehicle the Marine Corps has to offer. |
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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.
The newest civilian vehicle he's worked on is his 2005
Dodge Ram. So far, he has added an exhaust, bigger tires, a
new head unit and stereo system.
“It's cool to see
how far we've come in vehicle technology,” he said.
Now, he is finishing his first deployment to Afghanistan and
has worked on every type of vehicle and heavy equipment in
the Marine Corps inventory.
His favorite: the Mine
Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle.
“They
are 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 V. Miuccio, who has known Burkhart since
he settled in Camp Lejeune about a year and a half ago, said
that he can tell Burkhart is motivated just by his attitude
and confidence while at work.
“He is energetic and
enjoys his job,” said Miuccio, line noncommissioned officer
with motor transport, RCT 2. “We work together to fix the
trucks on the lot.”
“There is 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,” said Burkhart.
Burkhart, who plans on separating when his active-duty
commitment ends, 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 technicians 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.”
On his off
hours, Burkhart is easy-going and hangs out with the guys he
works with.
Miuccio said one of his favorite memories
of him and Burkhart is staying up on Christmas playing Wii
until two in the morning just laughing and relaxing.
“He is 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.” |
Article and photo by USMC Cpl. Megan Sindelar
Regional Command Southwest
Copyright 2011 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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