The Bridge Never Crossed is the incredible story of George Burks survival of a tragic plane crash, the unlikely series of events that saved his life, and his inspirational refusal to die . . . George has spent the balance of his life sharing what he has learned about work, leadership, faith, and the true meaning of quality of life. He believes that angels walk among us. I believe that George is one of them. Joe Howard, Fire Chief, Rowlett, Texas [George Burks] determination and professionalism are examples for all of us to follow. A. M. Gray, General, U. S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps Thank you, George, for sharing your journey with us. You do make a difference in peoples lives . . . I know, because youve made a difference in mine. Helen L. Campbell, Executive Director, State Firemens & Fire Marshals Association of Texas Reading his book will rekindle your emotions, enhance your perspective, and very possibly change your life. Buck Riley, Basketball Coach, Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan
Let me introduce myself. My name is Captain George Burk, USAF (Ret). Its only now, after nearly thirty years, that I can reflect on a period of my life which was both tragic and inspirational. Yet try as I may, I still cannot logically account for my humble presence upon this planet. I can only be thankful to a power greater than all earthly powers and to those who befriended, helped and guided me. Sometimes during the darker moments of my reflection I wonder why, apart from so many fine colleagues, my life was spared to endure the se-quence of events and horrendous consequences that began that morning. It was a West Coast spring morning that dawned foggy and overcast like so many other Northern California spring mornings. It was May 4, 1970, and there was never a hint or omen in that salt-laden sea mist billowing westward from the steamy Pacific Ocean to herald that day which so dramatically changed the remainder of my life and the lives of so many others. After surviving an event as horrifying as a plane crash, one might spend considerable time and energy reviewing every detail of that day to determine if a safer path or course of action might have been taken. Another course or choice which would alter events; a different decision to avoid the physical and emotional pain and psychological torture of burns and disfigurement which left me, at its worst, wishing I would die. Well, I didnt die, and my life since the crash has been full of adventure, excitement and, yes, even a few disappointments. God has blessed me with a second chance at life, to travel and share my journey with others and have family and friends who love me. Given pain, we can make the choice to wallow in our grieving, or we can take what is left to us as a gift, and build from there. Like so many others, I found in my pain a new source of determination and a new beginning. I feel I am a stronger person for it, and I am grateful for what I have learned.
