'We' leader promoted to brigadier general

Fort Belvoir, Va. (Oct. 16, 2014) - A highly accomplished Army officer and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran was sworn into the ranks of general officers last week.

Brig. Gen. Patrick W. Burden, Deputy to the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, was promoted during a ceremony at the Fort Belvoir Community Center, Friday.

Burden was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer from Alabama A&M University and entered active duty in 1987. His tactical assignments include the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Division in Kirchgoen, Germany serving as a company fire support officer, firing battery platoon leader and assistant operations officer.

Burden deployed with the battalion to Saudi Arabia in January 1991 and participated in Operations Desert Shield/Storm as the assistant operations officer; and the 210th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Lewis, Washington, serving as the brigade counter fire officer and later firing battery commander for B Battery, 3rd Battalion 11th Field Artillery Regiment.

"I'm very humbled and proud to stand in front of you today," said Burden. "It is a great feeling to be recognized by the Army for my past performances and future potential."

Burden thanked many guests during his remarks, from those in uniform he has served with to civilian employees he has advised. He also thanked those he considers mentors, and said their jobs aren't over yet.

"I'm grateful for those who have mentored me over the years," said Burden. "I intend to lean on them some more these coming years."

Burden entered the Army Acquisition Corps in 1994 and has held several acquisition assignments. Among them include project officer, U.S. Army Information Systems Software Development Center-Lee; program manager for the Global Transportation Network Program Management Office and project manager for the General Fund Enterprise Business System.

The common theme from those who have worked for or with Burden is he is a "we" type of leader who truly values people.

"The Army demands leaders who step up when needed and start a sentence with 'we,' not 'I,'" said Lt. Gen. Michael E. Williamson, principal military deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army. "Pat has led very successful programs because of his 'we' first attitude."

Tom Ness, Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions, project director was Burden's deputy project manager twice, most recently during Burden's time as project manager at GFEBS. He feels Burden's value of people is one reason he has been so successful.

"He treats people better than you could ever want to be treated," said Ness. "When you make a mistake, he gets you back on the right path, but you don't feel bad about yourself. You feel like you learned something from him."

Burden's ability to assess and evaluate has allowed him to be such a great leader, according to Williamson.

"He has the ability to sit quietly and listen before he speaks," said Williamson. "That's how you know what you need to do because you've gathered all the information and know how to advise your team."

The opportunity to continue to serve his country and lead those in uniform is what Burden is most looking forward to.

"I look forward to continuing to serve and lead Soldiers," said Burden.