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John Burford
From Reading’s Buttonwood and Weiser streets to military bases around the world, Reading High School graduate John Burford returned home this month for his 50th class reunion with plenty of stories to share. A retired U.S. Army master sergeant, Burford spent 26 years serving in Germany, Korea, Honduras, Texas, and other locations before settling in Temple, Texas. Today, he remains active through construction work and the VA’s Adaptive Sports Program, competing in events such as shot put, javelin, and powerlifting. Despite decades away, Burford says some of his favorite memories still come from growing up in Reading, spending time at the YMCA, playing sports, and giving back to the community.