Veteran Story: Jim Burgess

Jim Burgess served three years in the U.S. Army from September 1971 to September 1974, attaining the rank of sergeant. After basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, Virginia. His stay at Fort Myer sparked an interest in the Civil War and incentive to seek a career in the National Park Service after discharge. He got his foot in the National Park Service door in 1976 on the National Mall. He has been at Manassas National Battlefield Park since 1980. His current position is serving as the park's museum specialist.

What was your branch of service in the military? U.S. Army (Infantry).

What were your military awards, deployments, and citations? At the time everyone received the National Defense Service Ribbon and I was eligible for (but never awarded) the Good Conduct Medal. I qualified for the Expert Rifleman Badge but my deployment to the 3rd Infantry at Fort Myer did not qualify me for any other awards or unit citations.

How did you make the transition from military to the NPS? I already had a B.A. degree in history before joining the Army and, having visited various Civil War sites in the area and volunteering in some living history programs at Fort Washington, MD, I was inspired to seek a career in the NPS while stationed at Fort Myer. Before leaving the Army, I submitted application forms for an NPS job to the Office of Personnel Management (then Civil Service Commission). A little over a year later I received a call from the Site Manager on the National Mall who offered a temporary, 1-year appointment for the Bicentennial in 1976. That was my foot in the NPS door. I served nearly 5 years on the National Mall, working my way to a career-seasonal and then a full-time, permanent position. I was fortunate to gain temporary details at Manassas and the Lightship Chesapeake (then docked in the Wahington Channel) while assigned to the Mall. A permanent transfer came in October 1980 when a vacancy opened up at Manassas.

How does your military experience impact who you are in your NPS career today? My military experience has contributed to a better understanding of how the military functions, an appreciation for military history and those who have served. The military may have also instilled a work ethic that has kept me in government service for nearly 50 years.

How did your military service and skills contribute to your role today with the NPS? My service has helped me understand and better interpret the battles at Manassas. I'm often called upon to lead military staff rides at Manassas due to my veteran background. It gives me the opportunity to use military terminology the general public may not understand. While in the Army I began participating in marksmanship competition with muskets and other Civil War arms and I remain active in this hobby today. It has given me a better knowledge and appreciation for the weaponry of the period. This has helped me conduct historic weapons firing demonstrations at the park and the ability to better catalog the weapons and ordnance in the park's museum collection.