Meet Lt. Col. Burgh Published Jan. 27, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Born in Galveston Texas, into a medical family bearing no military background, becoming a fighter pilot was the last thing on his mind. Lt. Col. Steven Burgh's, 2nd Fighter Squadron Commander, father spent his career delivering babies as an obstetrician. His mother was a nurse for several years, but with four kids at home it became too much and she chose to take on the role of homemaker full time. Colonel Burgh spent his high school years participating in baseball and football. As quarterback of the football team his plate was full. "In high school my plan was to go to University of Texas," said Colonel Burgh. "I wanted to get an MBA and venture out into the business world." Prior to graduation an Air Force Academy football coach paid him a visit. "At that time I had football on the brain," said Colonel Burgh. "And I was shown everything the Air Force had to offer. So I sat down with my dad and we decided the Academy was the way to go." Colonel Burgh was confronted with a huge change in his lifestyle. "It was shocking at first," said Colonel Burgh. "I had to adjust to the military way of life, especially during the first year. I thought what did I get myself into?" But over time, it became rewarding. "You pile a bunch of guys with the same type of values into a place like that and it is easy to make lifetime friendships," said Colonel Burgh. "You go through a lot of tough times together." Colonel Burgh earned a bachelor's degree in business management and began his journey in the operational Air Force. "I was just a Texas boy who went off to the Air Force Academy, played a little football and became a fighter pilot," said Colonel Burgh. "It was not what I envisioned as a 16 year-old." Colonel Burgh was sent directly to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, for undergraduate pilot training, where he learned to fly the T-37 and the T-38. However, following training his flying days were put on hold. "At that time there were no fighter cockpits available," said Colonel Burgh. "We were given different jobs until a plane was open. I worked as a maintenance officer on the F-15E for two and a half years at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada." Although the job was unexpected, he found it beneficial none the less. "I learned what it takes to operate and maintain an aircraft," said Colonel Burgh. "It also taught me how to interact with maintenance and how much work goes on behind the scenes in order to generate a mission." While at Nellis, Colonel Burgh met and married his wife, Stacy. She was attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she earned a degree in adult education. Following that assignment, he spent more than a year undergoing requalification, which included six months at Tyndall. Shortly after that, Colonel Burgh and his wife made their way to Kadena Air Base, Japan, where they spent the next three years. During this time, they also had an addition to their family, with the birth of their first child, Kyle. "Kadena is a fighter pilot's dream assignment," said Colonel Burgh. "There were three fighter squadrons and the airspace was terrific. Being overseas is great for camaraderie between friends and family." Then it was back to Tyndall to train as an instructor pilot, where the family grew once again, with the birth of their daughter, Katelyn. The family of four packed up and moved once again to Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. "We were a little bit nervous because of everything you hear about the weather," said Colonel Burgh. "I knew we were in trouble when we got off the plane and everyone was leaning at a 45-degree angle due to the 45 knot winds." Colonel Burgh found Keflavik to be his favorite assignment so far. "Iceland has such an amazing countryside," said Colonel Burgh. "There is a lot of stuff to do there. The trout and salmon fishing was amazing. We would go on these fishing trips and what they do is sell you the river for a day by the amount of fishing rods you use. You could fish for the entire day and never see another person." But, it was not only the countryside that made the assignment so fulfilling. "It was a unique mission," said Colonel Burgh. "We were sitting alert and if the bad guys tried to enter Iceland's airspace we would go and intercept them. When we were not doing that we did a bunch of continuation training and I was able to fly with squadrons from all over the world." After departing Iceland, Colonel Burgh attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Ala., where he earned a second master's degree. He then spent a couple years at Randolph AFB, Texas, and returned to Tyndall, where he has been for almost four years. In the future, Colonel Burgh hopes to return overseas. "I would like to be involved in the war effort in some capacity," said Colonel Burgh. "There is not a lot of need for air-to-air fighters right now, but I would like to help in any way I can." Colonel Burgh has served for 19 years and plans to stay in as long as the Air Force lets him. "You cannot find the type of people and the types of missions in the civilian world as you do in the Air Force," said Colonel Burgh. "I think a lot of people don't appreciate that while they are in, and when you talk to those who get out, they are always looking back and missing those times." However, when his time is up in the Air Force he hopes to settle in central Texas, where he and his wife have family. He would also like to continue working in a job where he is put in a position of leadership. "I will definitely continue working," said Colonel Burgh. "I couldn't just hang up my cleats, mow the yard and watch the grass grow." Outside of work, Colonel Burgh enjoys spending time with his family and the outdoors, with his main hobbies including fishing, hunting and sports. "I really enjoy the fishing around here," said Colonel Burgh. "My son and I will go out in the kayak through all the bays and try to catch red fish and flounder. I also take him hunting; he has never pulled the trigger, but he watches and learns." His daughter enjoys soccer and he hopes to coach next year. The family will be moving on to the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Ala., this summer. "It's going to be a fun assignment," said Colonel Burgh. "It will allow for more family time and it's a great city to be in." Although Colonel Burgh is excited about his new assignment, his squadron at Tyndall will be greatly missed. "Everyone does whatever it takes to get the mission done," said Colonel Burgh. "I have been amazed by the levels of effort and the professionalism within the squadron." Colonel Burgh has had quite a career and has seen many things. His advice to those Airmen just beginning their careers is simple; you're going to love it. There is not a better group of people to work with, no better mission to be assigned to then what we are doing in the Air Force. Appreciate that every day; don't take it for granted and when you look back 20 years from now, you're going to be proud of what you did." For a closer look at the 2nd Fighter Squadron click here.