Robert F. Burlingham

Nominated by Supervisor Tom Wood, Town of Saratoga

Robert Burlingham was born in Victory Mills on November 7, 1934. He graduated from Schuylerville Central School and immediately following graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy on June 15, 1953. While in the Navy he was stationed on the Aircraft Carriers CVB 43 USS Coral Sea and CVII USS Intrepid. After four years active duty he was honorably discharged on June 7, 1957 with the rank of AB3, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Petty Officer Third Class. While in the Navy he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal European Class. After his discharge from the Navy he worked for 33 years as a senior Sub-station Operator for Con Edison in New York City.

Upon retirement from Con Edison, Robert returned to his family home in Victory Mills and became active in his community. He is a lifetime member of the Post 278 Schuylerville American Legion and the Greenwich, VFW Post 7291. He serves as chaplain of both the Schuylerville American Legion Post and the Saratoga County American Legion. Following the fire at the Legion Post in Schuylerville he took an active part in the fund raising and construction efforts to rebuild the building. For many years he served as a volunteer bartender at the post and was a leader in the post bingo program. He is a charter member of the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard, having joined on July 9, 1999. He participates in burial ceremonies one day each week and is in charge of the Post rifles and ammunition used in each weekly program.

Beyond all of this he is a warm friendly, courteous person with a good sense of humor. He is always willing to help anyone that he can. Robert Burlingham is dedicated to serving his community and fellow veterans and is a positive role model to everyone.