We Couldn’t Have Done it Without You 

When Bob Burns joined the Army as a fresh-faced 17-year old without even a high school degree, he could not have known he would end up here tonight – a 95-year old veteran of three wars, a life of service and outstanding example of “The Greatest Generation.” And yet, that is exactly where we are.

Like a lot of young men of his generation, Bob joined the Army to defend his country in World War II, starting out as a T-1, a technician at the lowly rank of corporal. Over a long military career, during which he saw action in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, he rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel. That service alone would certainly be award-worthy.

But if you know Bob, you probably have noticed he does not stop. After hanging up his Army gear in 1972, he spent the next 49 years supporting both active duty service members and veterans in multiple ways.

The Past Exalted Ruler of the Rancho Cordova Elks Lodge #2484, Bob took to heart the Elks pledge that says: “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

For years, he helped spearhead the Elks Lodge Catch the Spirit Project, which provides year-round material support and food to families of military personnel posted overseas, returning injured veterans and families with special needs identified by local police and fire departments.  

As a founding member of the City of Rancho Cordova’s Veterans Committee, he worked alongside Councilman Bob McGarvey to establish local observances of Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 2021 marks the 15th year for these powerful events, and Bob Burns has served as the gruff, but lovable, master of ceremonies of each one, attending monthly meetings, developing themes and working with musicians and speakers to make the occasions memorable.

Bob’s service to veterans has included VETSTOCK, an annual fundraiser that supports homeless veterans programs of the VA Northern California Health Care System. He has been instrumental in Veteran Stand Down events where medical, dental, hygiene, legal and psychiatric assistance are provided to homeless vets across the Sacramento region. He is not afraid to dig into his own pockets to help fund a need for a vet.

Bob’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Bob was nominated by the General John A. Sutter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award. In 2019, he was awarded the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer for the entire State of California by the State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution – a remarkable award considering the state is home to more than 100 chapters.

Bob went on to place second in the nation when compared with all other state-level winners.

In a proclamation recognizing these triumphs, the City of Rancho Cordova may have said it best:

So true.

The 21st Annual Community Volunteer Awards is proud to join the legions of people across the entire nation you have so proudly served for 78 years, by recognizing your uncommon commitment to veterans and their families by simply saying: Thank you. “We Could Not Have Done it Without You.”