Burke Ratte 

United  States Marine Corps 
Active Duty From October, 1985 - August, 1989

Born: Winnipeg - Manitoba - Canada

Contact Burke 

  Burke's Military Photos 

Burke's US Marine Corps Career

 

Enlistment & Infantry Training

• Burke Ratte entered the U.S. by way of a Green Card on July, 1985 and enlisted in the Marines in Seattle, Washington. His immigration was based on his father being a North American Indian.

• He served on active duty with the United States Marines from: October, 1985 to August, 1989. It started at MCRD San Diego, California. Burke attended Infantry Training School shortly after and received his primary MOS as a 0331 Machinegunner.

• After his second deployment from overseas, he was sent (FAP) to the Base Rifle Range as a Marksmanship Instructor and received a secondary MOS as an 8531.

Hawaii & Overseas Service

• His time in the Marines was a period nearing the end of the Cold War. The unit he served with was 1^st Battalion 3^rd Marines out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Every year his Infantry Unit would redeploy to Okinawa, Japan for a six month period servicing the Pacific Region.

• Burke participated in various Operations and Exercises throughout this time frame. Including; Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, 29 palms CA and Training centers with in the Hawaiian Islands.

Marksmanship Instructor

• During his time as a Marksmanship Instructor, Burke instructed Marines on their annual Rifle qualification with the M-16 A2. He also had the opportunity to compete in various Rifle Shooting Matches at the Division and Regional level.

Medals & Badge Service Awards

• Burke's service Awards are: Marine Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon W/1 Star and Certificate of Service during the Cold War and Commemorative Medal. He also has a 4^th award Expert Rifle Badge and a Regional Rifle Bronze Shooting Medal.

Fraternal & Military Clubs

• Burke Ratte is a member of the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association and also a paid member of a Military club called: www.togetherweserved.com