Army Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Burgess

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Burgess, 29, of Cleburne, Texas

SSgt Burgess was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died March 29, 2011 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked their unit with small-arms fire in Konar province.

His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Infantryman Badge.

He was completing his third tour of duty in the Middle East. He had served two tours in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan. Only 26 days remained before his return home.

Following graduation in 1999, Burgess completed one year at Hill College before enlisting.

“He didn’t talk about the military until the end of his senior year,” Pearce said. “He was in his ninth year of service and had planned to make it a career.”

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 at his uncle’s home in Burleson.

Burgess is survived by his wife, Tiffany R. Burgess, daughter, Makya, and son, Zander, ages 3 and 4 all of Fort Campbell, Ky.; and mother, Linda Pearce of Keene, Texas.

Army Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Burgess was killed in action on 3/29/11.