Meet Gracie Burgess

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gracie Burgess and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gracie, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me happy is seeing improvement and positive strives in the military community. As a military child and a military child caregiver, I noticed many of the challenges that are faced by many of those in the military community – service member, down to the children and spouses. Supporting the military community is a lifelong passion of mine. Those who serve on the homefront deserve just as much credit as our service members do. I don’t want to take any value away from our service members, but our military families deserve to be supported just as much as they are. So, when I can make a difference in the life of one military family, it makes me extremely happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, I have put in a lot of work to get to where I am today. However, I would not have been able to do anything without the support of the military community. I have been extremely grateful for everything the military community has given to my family – especially post my dad’s injury.

Throughout my young career, I have earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Minor in Marketing and a Master of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Digital and Social Media. I have also successfully hosted a podcast, “Grace of a Military Child and Life” for the past three and a half years. Within my podcast, I share the stories of military children and spouses by having a new guest every week where they share the journey of being part of military life.

Since graduation with my Master’s Degree, I was very unsure what I was going to do. I was having a very hard time finding employment as a 22 year old with such high education. Many employers said I was both over, and under qualified and found a better fit candidate. Instead of getting constantly turned away, I decided that I wanted to do something more with my life and decided it was time to serve my country as a U.S. Army Soldier. While this is not for everyone, I knew that I would be able to have a career out of this if I wished, or I would at least gain more experience to be able to get a better fit civilian job due to the experience I would gain as a Soldier.

Throughout, I wish to continue my podcast. It is an integral part of my journey and will continue to be an integral part of military children and spouses feel as if they are supported.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohh goodness! I do not think I would have an absolute favorite place that I would have to take them. I think it depends on where I am and what we are all in the mood for! I am a big sightsee-er so anytime we can go and see some local places in an area, I would most definitely jump on that opportunity!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout out would most certainly go to my family. My parents have been huge role models for me throughout my life. My decision to begin my podcast “Grace of a Military Child and Life” was highly encouraged by my mom. She saw the need for difference to be made in the military community – and specifically the military child community – after seeing my sister and I become caregivers at 8 and 9 years old (respectively) to my dad who had been severely wounded in action.

My mom has shown me the epitome of success and leadership. She has shown me that whatever you want from life, you are able to get out of it. Sometimes, it may take a little more research or fighting for your dreams, but it is well worth fighting. She has shown me that no matter how big or small the dream is, if you put in the effort, you will be able to accomplish that, and way more. Sometimes the effort is exhausting and it is okay to take a break, but remember to get back to it. Don’t stop fighting for it.

My dad has shown me the power of service. On November 20, 2011, my dad was tragically wounded in Afghanistan when stepping on an IED. Upon blast, he sustained a traumatic amputation of his right leg, degloving to the full medial side of his left leg, PTS, TBI, and many other injuries. My dad has fought through every single challenge he has faced since his injury, and I can tell you – there have been many. He sacrificed so much for a greater purpose – giving freedom to millions – many of which he will never meet. My dad has inspired me to serve my country and continue the tradition of military service in my family.

“Fight for your dreams, and your dreams will fight for you.” -Byran Danielson
“A strong woman looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.” -Gina Carey

Website: www.goamcl.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceofamilitarychildandlife/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracie-burgess-m-s-100239217/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceofamilitarychildpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraceofaMilitaryChildandLife

Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-of-a-military-child-and-life/id1559783530 https://open.spotify.com/show/0vBPJtWfmr2o0WIjgh80Hq?si=c4b5d4a08aff438b