Burchell graduates from military training

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Pfc. Mitchell Burchell, of Jackson, recently completed his military training to become a military policeman for Missouri National Guard's Detachment 1, 1137th Military Police Company in Jackson.

"I joined the Guard because I wanted to serve my country and state," said Burchell. He also joined to follow in his father's footsteps.

Burchell's father, Gary, currently serves as a staff sergeant with the Detachment 1, 1137th Military Police Company in Jackson. Burchell looks forward to serving side by side with his father.

He graduated from basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Dec. 2, 2010.

Prior to training, Burchell served with Company E of the Recruit Sustainment program in Cape Girardeau. Through the program, he learned basic Army skills and values and became more familiar with his role as a Soldier in the Missouri Army National Guard.

Sgt. 1st Class Byron Wilkerson, who recruited Burchell, said he'll be a positive influence to the company.

"He's outgoing and gets the job done," said Wilkerson. "He has a strong internal drive to be a good Soldier and he'll be very successful with his new unit."

Burchell will begin serving with his new unit in January 2011.

Burchell is the son of Staff Sgt. Gary Burchell, of Jackson and Wanda Crowe, of Clarkton. He is a 2008 graduate of Clarkton High School and is currently attending Southeast Missouri State University.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.