Army Sergeant Justin Burdette was on his third deployment, second to Afghanistan, when he lost both legs below the knee after being hit by a 107 mm rocket on June 9, 2013.
Sgt. Burdette and his platoon were on a dismounted patrol on a mountain when they received incoming fire. Sgt. Burdette was hit with a 107 mm rocket. The rocket went through his left leg and exploded behind him causing him to lose his right leg also. His medic was able to stop the bleeding enough to get him safely off the mountain. Helicopters were in the area and were able to get him back to the field hospital in record time. He received his Purple Heart on the day he was injured while still in Afghanistan. From Afghanistan, Sgt. Burdette was flown to Landstuhl, Germany where he spent several days in surgery and waiting for his flight back to the States. Within a week, he was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD where he received both inpatient and outpatient treatment for approximately 18 months. On November 25, 2014, Justin started his terminal leave and finished his time at Walter Reed. On December 24, 2014, Justin was officially retired from the U.S. Army after spending 8 years and 9 months in service to our country.
Since retiring from the Army, Sgt. Burdette obtained his boat captain license, ran fishing charters, and currently is assisting a friend with a guided hunting service. He also participates in precision rifle competitions, takes fellow veterans out fishing, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Beth, and son, Corey (8).
