PARIS — Maine Veterans’ Home has named Robert E. Burbank, who retired after more than 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, as the Veteran of the Month. 

Burbank was born on Nov. 27, 1938, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, to Raymond and Ellen Burbank, and he has one sister and two brothers. He grew up on Nantasket Beach, Hull, Massachusetts, graduated from Hingham High School and then continued his education at Gorham State College for four years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial arts.

Burbank enlisted in the Coast Guard in October 1956 and served more than 20 years. He was stationed in several places, including Cape May, New Jersey, Ketchikan, Alaska, Seattle, Washington, and Baffin Island in northwest Canada. He made a trip to the South Pole in 1958 and made four trips to the North Pole.

He worked for Southworth Machine Company in Portland for four years during the summer and also at W.H. Nichols Machine Shop during the summer months.

He earned the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, the Antarctic Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Burbank retired from Marine Safety Office in Portland through the Coast Guard. After retirement, he went into teaching at the South Portland High School.

Burbank married in 1963 when he moved to Maine and was married for 39 years. He adopted four children, Michael, Douglass and two girls from Korea, Christina and Leanna. He has three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

He was involved in the VFW in Auburn, Lions Club for 22 years in South Portland, Auburn, Lewiston and Gray and was the district officer. He was involved with the Baptist Church in Lewiston, Bailey Island Church and the Gray Congregational Church.

He enjoys listening to music, taking walks outside, snowshoeing and woodworking.

Burbank came to the Maine Veterans’ Home in 2016.