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Jed Boal ReportingA father and son today forged a unique bond that will forever link their military careers. They accomplished this feat 15-hundred feet above ground.
Colonel Andrew Burton jumped out of many planes and helicopters in his 28-year military career, all around the world.
Col. Andrew Burton, 19th Special Forces (Airborne): "I've jumped in water, I've jumped in the snow, I've jumped in the mountains, I've jumped in the searing heat in the desert."
But this one, he'll always remember. It was the final jump for the commander of the 19th Special Forces Utah National Guard, but the Burton family won't let their military commitment lapse. The colonel's son, Private First Class Jason Burton, suited up for the jump.
Private Burton made his first jump as a member of the 19th. The two men pulled the rip cords, opened the chutes and floated to the ground, each on his own path with the National Guard.
Pfc. Jason Burton, 19th Special Forces (Airborne): "I've always felt a desire to serve our country. It's good to train and be ready to serve wherever needed."
Burton says he never pushed his son to join the guard, but he certainly is proud that he's following in his footsteps and following him out the door of Blackhawk helicopters.
Col. Andrew Burton/19th Special Forces (Airborne): "He's already done so well. He's going to be a better soldier than I've been, so I'm tremendously proud."
Cheryl Burton/Colonel's Wife: "I had a lump in my throat. Jason's first with his dad and possibly his last with his dad."
Later, Colonel Burton relinquished his command and said farewell to the 19th. In four years as the commander, he served in Afghanistan and went to Iraq to oversee the battalion.
Col. Andrew Burton/19th Special Forces (Airborne): "There's been a lot of neat experiences jumping with this unit. I'm going to miss it."
But, he'll never be too far away as his son jumps into his career with the Special Forces.
Colonel Burton worked for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office nearly 25 years, and left as the commander of the Metro Gang Task Force in 2005. Private Burton is enrolled in officer training while attending the University of Utah.
