Kyle Burke
Col. Kyle T. Burke, a Springfield native and Shawnee High School graduate, has retired after 25 years in the U.S. Army. The colonel culminated his career with a three-year posting as Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Containment Avoidance.
Burke entered the Army through the ROTC program at Eastern Kentucky University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and went into the Army Transportation Corps. Burke subsequently earned a master’s in business administration from Penn State University and a master’s in national resource strategy from the National Defense University.
His many assignments included serving in Operation Desert Storm and in Croatia and Bosnia attached to NATO. Burke’s awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Joint Staff and Army Staff Identification Badges. Burke and his wife, Rae, have two college age children.
Army Pvt. Christopher A. Luther has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. Luther is a 2008 graduate of Kenton Ridge High School.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Travis W. Pyles graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Constance and stepson of Chester Cadwell of New Carlisle. Pyles is a 2005 graduate of Northwestern High School.
Air Force Airman Nicole M. Miller graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Michael and Tami Miller of Springfield and is a 2005 graduate of Shawnee High School.
Army Pvt. William E. Price has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Rose Folden of Springfield. The private is a 1997 graduate of South High School.
Army Pfc. James B. Foreman has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the stepson of Stephanie Foreman of Mechanicsburg and is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern High School.
Marine Corps Pfc. Travis W. Smith, son of Penny Boisel and Steve Smith, both of Springfield, has reported for duty with Marine Aircraft Support Squadron Three, Marine Air Control Group-38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Smith joined the Marine Corps in August 2008.