Sergeant Major Burton was born in Harlem, New York. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1983 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of Recruit Training he was transferred to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas where he attended Military Police Basic School.
Upon graduating from Military Police Basic School, he was assigned the MOS of 5811 and transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in May of 1984. While assigned to the Provost Marshal’s Office he served as Patrolman, Traffic Court Clerk and Base Taxi Inspector. During this assignment, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and meritoriously promoted to Corporal in March of 1986.
In August 1986, Sergeant Major Burton was transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Air Control Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Iwakuni, Japan. While assigned to the Provost’s Marshal Office, he performed duties as Patrolman, Desk Sergeant, and Patrol Supervisor. He also participated in Exercise Team Spirit 1987.
In October 1987, he returned Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for duty. In November of 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While serving at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune he served as liaison for the Base North Carolina Driver License Office and Military Police Training NCO.
In October of 1989, he received orders to Drill Instructor School. Upon graduation from the school he was assigned to the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina, where he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.
In January 1992, he was transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Air Control Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan. During his tour of duty at the Provost Marshal Office aboard Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in January of 1993. His billets included Watch Commander, Customs SNCOIC, Fiscal Chief and Supply SNCOIC.
In December 1996 he again received orders to Drill Instructor School. Upon graduation he was again assigned to the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina. He served as Senior Drill Instructor, Series Gunnery Sergeant, Battalion Drill Master and Headquarters Company First Sergeant. In November 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. In February 1999, he was selected to be the Regimental Drill Master for the Recruit Depot.
In May 2000, he was transferred to 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as District SNCIOC for Military Police Department aboard Camp Courtney.
In May 2001, he was transferred to Marine Corps Detachment Fort Sill, Oklahoma for duty as the First Sergeant of Marine Battery 2/80th.
In November 2003, he was transferred to MCRD Parris Island for duty as the First Sergeant for India Company, Third Recruit Training Battalion and Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion.
In January 2005 he reported for duty as the Sergeant Major for Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in Beaufort, South Carolina and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2005 to September 2005. Upon return to CONUS, Sergeant Major Burton deployed with the squadron in support of Exercise Red Flag, Desert Talon and Mohave Viper before deploying to Iwakuni, Japan in March 2007 until September 2007 in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
In January 2008 transferred to Inspector-Instructor Staff, Marietta, Georgia for duty as the Sergeant Major of Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Marine Logistic Group.
In May 2010, Sergeant Major Burton reported for duty as the MCAS Beaufort Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Burton’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Army Commendation Medal and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars.