Crash survivor inspires Kiwanis
by Barry Cohen

CAVE CREEK – It was fitting that Kiwanis Club of Carefree heard from George Burk of Scottsdale at the organization’s luncheon meeting on June 14 at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. It was Flag Day, and Burk wrapped himself in the red, white and blue as he related the harrowing and inspiring story of his survival and recovery from a military plane crash in May 1970.

At the time Burk was a captain in the U.S. Air Force and one of 14 passengers en route to Spokane, Wash., the aircraft in which they were flying experienced rapid de‑compression and massive structural failure, crashing in the hills near Sonoma, Calif. Everyone aboard died except Burk, who was discovered by a farmer he credits with saving his life.          

With burns over 65 percent of his body and multiple internal injuries, Burk wasn’t expected to live. He spent 90 days in intensive care and 18 months in a military hospital in Texas. He told the Kiwanis that while in the ICU he had two near‑death experiences. “I saw the bridge, saw the door and saw the light,” he related, emphasizing that he believes his life was spared so he could carry his message of spirituality to others.

Burke has done just that, serving as a motivational speaker, trainer and author. The remarkable story of Burk’s plane crash and recovery are described in his book: “The Bridge Never Crossed–A Survivor’s Search for Meaning.” Burk was also profiled on the Discovery Health Channel; the program can be viewed on his Web site at www.georgeburk.com.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.