Remembering Them Forever (RTF)!
Burgess, Bryan Allan
- Cleburne, Texas, Johnson County, United States
Military Information:
- US Army
- Bronze Star Medal
- PH: Purple Heart
- Deceased
- Afghanistan War
- KIA
- Army Commendation Medal
- TVHOF Class 2021
- QR Code
- SSGT or SSG: Staff Sergeant
- GWT: Global War on Terrorism
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- Good Conduct Medal
- 1-Alpha List
- TVHOF Gold Star Award
Bio:
Staff Sergeant Burgess was a 1999 graduate of Cleburne High School where he excelled as an athlete in soccer, baseball and football, and ran track. Burgess’ “senior brags” in the CHS yearbook include JV and varsity soccer, freshmen baseball and football, track and four years in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Before enlisting, Staff Sergeant Burgess completed one year at Hill College. “He didn’t talk about the military until the end of his senior year,” Mrs. Pearce said. “He was in his ninth year of service and had planned to make it a career.” The Cleburne, Texas, native deployed twice to Iraq and had about 26 days remaining on his deployment to Afghanistan.
“He was a sweet guy,” explained friend Hillary Cochran. “He always had a smile on his face. He was always friendly- just a great kid.”
Staff Sergeant Burgess was also an active member of Granbury Street Church of Christ. Burgess’ last visit home was in September. A meal at Whataburger, his favorite spot, according to his mother, was on his “to do” list. The family also gathered together for a barbecue.
“Bryan always talked about being in Cleburne in time to make his 10 year class reunion,” Mrs. Pearce explained. “But he was always traveling. I told him he was where he was supposed to be, doing the right thing for his country.”
Soldiers held a memorial service for six fallen U.S. Soldiers from Task Force No Slack at Forward Operating Base Joyce in eastern Afghanistan April 9th.
Task Force No Slack Commander, U.S. Army LT. Col. Joel B. Vowell spoke about each of the men who were killed. Of Staff Sergeant Burgess he explained that Burgess was an immediate impact player who could shoot, move and communicate with the best of them.
Burgess, an infantry squad leader, is survived by his wife, Tiffany, a daughter, and a son. Bryan is best remembered by his friend, U.S. Army Sergeant Tyler Schmidt.
“He had a Superman tattoo on his right arm,” said Sergeant Schmidt. “It was fitting because he was strong.”
Schmidt said Burgess would do anything for his fellow Soldiers even if that meant sacrificing his time and energy. But Burgess had a way of replenishing his always present energy. I believed that the ‘Sesame Street’ character Cookie Monster was based off of him. He loved cookies,” said Schmidt. “No cookies were safe, even if a cookie was on the way to your mouth, he’d take it. Even First sergeant cookies weren’t safe.”
Died at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire in Konar province.
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The Burgess family turned their pain into passion and co-founded The Gold Star Parent's Retreat; a weekend getaway dedicated to honoring the memories of loved ones who lost their lives in the line of duty. The retreats are conducted on a Western-themed ranch near Gainesville, Texas and are three-day events beginning Friday evening with a welcome dinner, open mic, or a key-note speaker. Saturdays are filled with activities on the ranch, projects designed to honor their sons and daughters, and some non-traditional therapy sessions that have included plate-breaking, and a short day trip to a local monument. The retreat pays for rooms, meals, and any extra-curricular activities.
Terry (Bryan's father) says his dream was realized when Bryan's final mission was captured on film and became part of the 2014 film: The Hornet's Nest.
https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-staff-sgt-bryan-a-burgess/6109559
https://americanfallensoldiers.com/army-bryan-burgess/
https://www.goldstarfamilyregistry.com/heroes/Bryan-Burgess-479651
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