Commander Robert E. Burke served as President of the California Council of Chapters in 2004 and 2005. During that time he successfully planned and rejuvenated the Annual Meetings to prominence thereby increasing attendance by 200 percent. Burke also contributed his technical capability and motivation to producing Cal-MOAA's outstanding Website.
He serves on the Executive Committee as the Immediate Past President of Cal-MOAA. Burke is the Cal-MOAA's Administrator for their Website and is busy working with the website designer to improve the ease of use and communication for all members.
Burke’s long involvement with MOAA began shortly after his retirement from the Navy. He joined TROA in 1968 and was an active participant. He was instrumental in the founding of the Greater Antelope Valley Chapter formed and chartered in 1972. He remains active in that chapter and has served many years in the position of President, Vice President and Secretary.
In the mid 1980’s California changed its organizational structure to comprise one Council with Northern and Southern Regions. He became active in the Southern Region which was composed of 34 Chapters. In 1987 he was elected Southern Region 2nd Vice Chairman; a position he held for two years. He then went on to serve as the Chairman of the Southern Region for 1989 and 1990.
Born in Marshalltown, IA , on November 3, 1925, Robert Eugene Burke attended its public schools. Upon high school graduation in May 1943 he enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman and entered the V-12 College Training Program. Following his accelerated wartime course work at Wabash College, the University of Notre Dame and the U.S. Naval Midshipmen’s School New York he received his Commission as an Ensign and became a leader of men at the tender age of 19. By 1947 he had decided to make the Navy his career and a young U.S. Army Air Corps widow, his bride. He and his beloved Tottie were married for 49 years before her death to cancer in 1996.
In his Navy career, he crossed the Pacific from West to East on a 128 FT wooden hull minesweeper, catapulted from a carrier, and submerged in a submarine. Burke attended the U.S. Naval Post graduate School and holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. His career includes duty aboard USS YMS –170, USS LST--827, USS Twining (DD--540) and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB—42). Additional tours on the staff Commander Service Force US Atlantic Fleet, Bureau of Ships, Wash. D.C.,Portsmouth and Long Beach Naval Shipyards and the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility, Yokosuka, Japan round out his 24 year Navy Career.
Burke retired from the Navy in 1967 and moved to Lancaster, California where he was the Chief Engineer at Antelope Valley Hospital until 1970. For the next 12 years he owned and operated Westside Golf and Recreation Park in nearby Quartz Hill, as well as, establishing a hot-air balloon port called Raven’s Roost.
He continues as sole proprietor of the Stars and Stripes Shop, a flag business he has owned and operated since 1959. Burke in 2001 married Maria Morris who had a most successful and rewarding teaching career of 34 years. When not involved in Cal-MOAA activities, the Burkes enjoy their RV, cruises, and touring the United States.
Commander Robert E. Burke 628 So. Burbank Ridgecrest, CA 93555 800-578-3174
Redwood Empire Chapter is making a difference by supporting a local womens group that packed and sent 20 tons of donated goods to American troops. Read the local news story Here!
