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Fort Bragg Family of the Year recognized for service to nation, community

Christopher and Sarah Burlee say they were surprised by honor

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For Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Burlee and Maj. Sarah Burlee, serving their country and serving their community is just what they do.

So they were both a bit surprised on Thursday when they were honored as Fort Bragg’s Family of the Year for 2022.

The Burlees and their two daughters were recognized during a ceremony at the Main Post Chapel.

Fort Bragg officials say families are nominated for the honor by their units based on the level of involvement in and contribution to the unit and the community.

Christopher Burlee serves with Bravo Company of the 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade. Sarah Burlee is with the 1st Special Forces Command.

“You all represent the true spirit of the Fort Bragg community,” said Liz Dailey, supervisory Army community service specialist, to the families gathered in the stately house of worship built in the Classical Revival style.

“We wish you a safe and joyous holiday season,” Dailey said. "And let us continue to remember all of our service members who continue to serve at home and abroad with their families left behind.”

The chapel was built in 1934 and can seat about 300. About 200 people attended the ceremony.

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In a Fort Bragg Public Affairs news release, Dailey is quoted as saying: “It is important to note that military families demonstrate resiliency in their everyday lives through supporting each other during unexpected challenges and while celebrating each other’s victories. This is the time to honor and recognize those who embody the spirit of selfless service and take that extra step to help others within their community and the Army as a whole.”

The Burlee family was among 25 families nominated to be Fort Bragg Family of the Year, they were among five finalists.

Christopher, 47, and Sarah, 42, met after they joined the Army. Her family’s military service spans three generations.

They have been stationed at Fort Bragg for about 18 months.

Sarah Burlee is originally from the Pacific Northwest, while Christopher is a native of Newark, New York.

Sarah, who works as a medical planner, described her role as doing “all the things but put my hands on the patients.”

They have been married for nearly 16 years. Their daughter Audie is 10 years old, and Paisley is 9.

“For me, it’s like a surprise,” Sarah said of being named Family of the Year. “Like I said, we do it because we decided to do it. And we do it out of this commitment, like this is what we should be doing as stewards — to be Americans. So, I guess I’m surprised that what we do is enough to stand out that much.”

Sarah says being a Girl Scout leader is “the biggest thing that I do.”

Christopher helps his wife with the Girl Scout troop. Among other things, the couple has made quilts for the babies of soldiers in his unit and quilts of valor for soldiers themselves.

The Burlees were joined at the ceremony by her parents, Dennis and Linda DeGraw.

Christopher said being in  the military is like any other job.

“And people ask, ‘Why do you do it?’” he said. “It’s because we have to.”

Sarah added that it's “because we decided to.”

“It’s not the easiest thing for the kids,” she said of being a soldier as well as a mother of two while moving from one military assignment to another. “But we decided to be in the military, and we decided to have the babies. And we decided to do the volunteering that we do. Once we decide, there’s nothing to do but finish.”

The award comes with a check for $1,000, three gift baskets and a couple of gift cards. 

The family also will be honored when they light the Garrison Christmas tree at the Main Post Parade Field on Saturday. Those activities are scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m.

On Thursday, the four runners-up for Family of the Year were given crystal plaques.

They are:

  • The family of Staff Sgt. Steven Guevara.
  • The family of Capt. Travis Pearson.
  • The family of Capt. Stephen Townsend.
  • The family of Pfc. Jared Vaughan, who received the loudest applause from the soldiers on hand Thursday.

Michael Futch covers Fayetteville and education for CityView. He can be reached at mfutch@cityviewnc.com.

Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, family of the year, military

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