Chris Burrell

As an Army military policeman, Staff Sergeant Chris Burrell was leaving on a mission to support Iraqi when, just 350 meters outside the wire, three explosively formed penetrators destroyed his vehicle, took his left leg above the knee, severely damaged his right leg, and left him with a traumatic brain injury.

Before being medically evacuated, SSG Burrell bravely called his then five-year old-daughter and told her, “Daddy had a boo-boo.”

After surviving his alive day, the Burrell wasn’t willing to accept the medical discharge that was nearly an inevitability based on his severe wounds. He immersed himself in his rehabilitation and, despite the odds stacked against him, fought to stay on active duty. In the summer of 2010, through sheer will and determination, he returned to Fort Bragg to continue his military career.

There, he served and managed his brigade’s canine program, overseeing an operation that includes 112 military working dogs. In the spring of 2021, he reached his goal of serving through his retirement in the Army. He is very focused on transitioning in a way that will bring stability for his future.

After receiving the call from Executive Director Alex Karalexis and Jared Allen, SSG Burrell said this “I’m in shock. I broke down into tears after that call. Besides my daughter’s birth, this is the greatest thing to ever happen. I just feel so fortunate.”

In March 2023, Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors and partners provided SSG Burrell with a fully accessible, mortgage-free home tailored to his needs. Thank you to all our donors and partners who allow us to continue Serving Those Who Serve Us and giving another veteran the American Dream.

Please take a moment to honor SSG Burrell’s service and sacrifice by signing his guest book and leaving a message of support below. Consider donating today to help JAH4WW continue its mission of supporting combat-wounded Veterans. Your generosity makes a difference.