Lt. Col. Shirley Burke retires from the 932nd Airlift Wing

Lt. Col. Shirley Burke retired in June 2008 from the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. In this photo she is seen on active duty during her time in South Korea. In college she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. The “butterbar” Second Lieutenant Burke began her active duty career in data automation at Langley AFB, VA. At Langley, she was busy learning her profession and making life-long friends. “You always remember your first-duty assignment. Also, you don’t forget the people who helped you along the way.” She still writes and keeps up with many of her former Langley friends and coworkers. Colonel Burke credits a former commander, retired Brig. Gen. Walter Jones, as her career mentor. “He demanded a lot and expected you to know your job. At the same time, he would share his knowledge.” She spent many years and several assignments in the old Air Force Communications Command. Colonel Burke has served as OIC of plans and programs and chief of communications-maintenance. Other assignments include chief of the 2069th Communications Group at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Colonel Burke also served as plans and programs officer at AFCC at Scott. After leaving the active duty Air Force, she joined 932nd AW in January 1993.