In Memory of CPT Sara Knutson Cullen
Because Sara’s favorite time of year was Christmas, we donate to Maynard Children’s Hospital Child Life Christmas to help provide Christmas events for hospitalized children. Also we provide 3 high school scholarships. (DH Conley in NC, Liberty High in Eldersburg Md Sara’s alma mater, Quincy High in MA Chris’ alma mater)
Sara’s Story
Sara Knutson was born In Baltimore Maryland on May 7, 1985. She grew up in Eldersburg and was an active and energetic child. She participated in a variety of activities: soccer, gymnastics, competitive cheer and dance and karate. She attended Liberty High School where she was active in student government, track and numerous clubs.
Upon graduation, Sara attended airborne school and then spent two years at Ft Rucker where she learned to fly UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. She said it was the hardest thing that she had ever done. She was stationed for the next three years at Ft Wainwright in Alaska. She deployed to Pakistan on a humanitarian mission spending long hours flying supplies to those in remote areas who were cut off because of the floods.
Sara and the crew of Blackhat-14 died on March 11, 2013.
On a rainy night in Afghanistan, their helicopter went down during a training mission and all five crew members perished.
Gallery
BG Chris Hughes wrote that Sara “always spoke truth to power. But more importantly, she had an incredible sense of humor, contagious smile and made us all laugh even during dark and difficult times.”
“You were a pleasure to work with and a fine officer. You made a difference in the lives of everyone who knew you and your presence in and out of the cockpit will be sorely missed.”
“the best officer I have ever worked with. She could walk the fine line of leadership, respect and being likable. She led by example and encouraged those around her to work harder and be better at their jobs. She could do all that and somehow show humility. She would lay her career on the line to help out other soldiers regularly. Everyone I know looked up to her. She truly brought the best out of all those around her. When she left the unit, the Battalion Commander rated her #1 among her peers. She was a fierce competitor and never gave up, no task was too much and no problem couldn’t be solved. She was one of the hardest working people I have known.”
Events /
Coming Soon!
Donations
Checks can be made payable to The SARAndipity Fund
THE SARAndipity FUND IS A CHARITABLE FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NC EAST, A 501 (C) 3 ORGANIZATION, TAX ID #56-2152669. WWW.CFNCEAST.ORG.
Your donation is a tax-deductible contribution and can be mailed to: The CF of NC East, PO Box 3985, Greenville NC 27836 (memo noted: f/b/o The SARAndipity Fund)
