Saying Goodbye to the Burgess Family

Sharon Massey, Dan & Genette on R&R weekend

Last Monday, May 19, Dan Burgess' retirement ceremony was held at WFSC (Warrior Family Support Center).  Jackie Heupel, Susan Quindry & I were on the road early so we wouldn't be late.  Dan, Genette, Kaylee & Gracie have become family to us.  You see, Genette & Dan have been making cards with us since about the third or fourth class we taught at WFSC.  About 20 minutes into that class this guy with a great smile rolls into the room totally disrupting the class.  Genette introduced him and he is very proud of the fact that he signed her up for the class.  Seems Genette is an avid card maker and was unable to bring her supplies with her.  That was the beginning of a great relationship.  We dubbed Dan our "Poster Boy". No matter what was going on with him medically, he always had a great smile and of course a wise crack.  One of the first things he told us was "If you ladies want to lose weight really fast, step on an IED".  You can imagine what it was like once he got to know us.

This was the first retirement ceremony I've seen and for me it was moving.  We learned that Dan had been:

• medically discharged once before but wanted to continue to serve his country so he joined the Reserves and was deployed to Afghanistan;
• wounded by his encounter with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan with the 350th Psychological Operations Company.

Genette was also recognized for her devotion to taking care of Dan and for the help she has been to WFSC, Fisher House & the battalion.  One of the things she did was testify in Washington D.C. regarding the inequities of benefits for wounded reservists.  They do not get the same benefits as an enlisted wounded soldier.

Colonel Edwards presenting Medal

Congratulations & Presentation of Flag

After the speakers were finished and had presented Dan with a medal, an American flag and several certificates, it was Dan's turn.

He called his "girls" up with him and acknowledged he couldn't have gotten through everything without them thanking them for putting up with him even when he was difficult. It was so wonderful to see the love these four people have for each other.

Susan & Jackie with Dan

Then Dan recognized people in the audience who had been instrumental in his treatment & recovery, i.e. trauma nurses, Judith Markeltz, etc.  There were many more but my memory is short.

Gracie, Kaylee, Jackie & Susan

When he was finished and everyone had a chance to tell the family congratulations and goodbye the ceremony moved inside for cake and punch.

Dan actually cut the cake with LOTS of Supervision

Dan, Genette, Kaylee and Gracie we will miss you but are so excited for you and your new adventure in Florida.  GOD Bless you and keep you safe.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ww.nebo to see more photos.  Thanks go to the military photographers who shared some photos with us.