Grace of a Military Child and Life: The Story of Gracie Burgess
Growing up in a military family shaped Gracie Burgess’s life from the start. Born an Army B.R.A.T. in Cleveland, Ohio, her journey has spanned from San Antonio, Texas, to Cape Coral, Florida, where she’s spent the past 11 years. Proud of her father’s service and the strength of military families, Gracie carried her identity as a military child with honor. But her path has been anything but easy—and it’s exactly that path that shaped the mission she now carries forward.
Childhood Changed by Military Service
Gracie’s father took a break from military service early in her childhood, but he re-enlisted in the Army Reserve when she was around seven. In 2011, everything changed when her father was deployed to Afghanistan, where he was seriously injured by an IED. At just nine years old, Gracie found herself facing challenges that most people may never experience in a lifetime.
Her father’s 2.5-year recovery was a defining time in her life. During that time, she was fully immersed in military life for the first time. Aside from my dad’s incredible Reserve unit, she hadn’t been exposed to much of the broader military community—so this was an entirely new experience for Gracie. It opened her eyes to the sacrifices military families make—especially the children. The frequent moves, the ever-changing friendships, the new schools—it all added up. And for Gracie, caregiving responsibilities at such a young age made her childhood anything but ordinary.
Finding Her Voice
The toughest transition came after her father’s medical retirement, when the family relocated to Cape Coral, Florida. Returning to a civilian environment was a culture shock. Gracie often felt out of place—misunderstood and isolated, like a military child suddenly dropped into a world that didn’t quite grasp her experiences. Those feelings of disconnection would later inspire something deeply meaningful: her podcast, Grace of a Military Child and Life.
The beginning of this project took root in the spring of her freshman year of college, when her mom suggested she start a podcast! Initially reluctant, Gracie eventually warmed up to the idea, especially after an encouraging conversation with her younger sister. Her sister even came up with the name—Grace of a Military Child—a play on Gracie’s name and a tribute to the grace military children carry with them.
On April 1, 2021, in honor of the Month of the Military Child, Gracie launched her very first episode.
Building a Platform for Untold Stories
Military children grow up within the rhythm of military life—right alongside their loved ones, making sacrifices that often go unnoticed. “I created Grace of a Military Child and Life to ensure their stories don’t go unheard.” Her goal has always been to give military children of all generations a platform where their experiences are acknowledged, appreciated, and remembered.
Over time, Gracie’s perspective deepened, and she began to understand the emotional and personal toll military life takes on spouses. That realization led her to expand the podcast’s scope to include their stories, too.
With that, Grace of a Military Child officially became Grace of a Military Child and Life—a rebranding that reflects the wider mission of amplifying the voices of both military children and spouses.
Answering the Call
Even with her podcast and academic success—earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2023, and a Master of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Digital and Social Media from the University of Alabama in 2024—Gracie felt a deeper calling.
In November 2024, she answered that call by enlisting in the U.S. Army as an Officer Candidate (09S). Despite the fears she’d witnessed through her father’s injuries, she stepped forward with faith. Basic Training was a transformative time. “I never felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be in my life until I got there,” she shares.
While it was difficult to leave her tight-knit family behind, Gracie is embracing the new Army family she found. In February 2025, she began Officer Candidate School, but an injury temporarily paused her training. Still, her faith remains unwavering—God has a plan.
Looking Ahead
Though not yet a nonprofit, Gracie hopes to one day evolve her podcast platform into an organization that further supports the children and families of military heroes. For now, she continues to elevate their stories—highlighting resilience, sacrifice, and the grace they all carry.
“I’m just proud,” she says. “Proud of the accomplishments of Grace of a Military Child and Life, and proud of the journeys of all the military families. It is my honor to share their stories.”
Gracie’s Key to Resilience
Her advice for others navigating military life?
Never give up. Push forward. And always have faith that God has a plan.
Whether you’re a military child, spouse, or service member, Gracie’s story reminds us that although the journey is hard, it’s also incredibly beautiful. If you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone, there’s so much growth, community, and purpose waiting on the other side.
To learn more about Gracie and to listen to her podcast, use the links below or listen on any major podcast streaming platforms:
