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Capt. Cullen Obituary
Capt. Sara Marie Knutson Cullen, 27, of Savannah, Ga., formerly of Eldersburg, died Monday, March 11, 2013, while serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Born May 7, 1985, in Baltimore, she was the daughter of Bill and Lynn Brinkworth Knutson, of Bluffton, S.C. She was the wife of Christopher C. Cullen, who she married Nov. 17, 2012.
Sara was a 2003 graduate of Liberty High School in Eldersburg, where she had served as vice-president of her class. She was a graduate of West Point, Class of 2007. She then pursued a career as an aviation officer with the Army flying UH60 Black Hawk helicopters.
She enjoyed the challenge and developed a passion for flying. She was known to be an energetic individual with a variety of interests ranging from fashion and shopping to camping outdoors. She never finished dinner without enjoying dessert. She especially enjoyed new adventures.
Surviving, in addition to her parents and husband, are a brother, Keith Knutson, of New Castle, Del.; sister and brother-in-law Kelly and Brooke Bear, of Silver Spring; a mother-in-law, Nancy Davis, of Quincy, Mass.; brother-in-law, Richard Cullen of Quincy, Mass; sisters-in-law Cara Cullen, of Braintree, Mass., and Khiana Davis and Alessa Davis, both of Quincy; and nieces Sophia and Maggie Bear, of Silver Spring.
Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville.
A funeral liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Community, 915 Liberty Road, Eldersburg. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Maranatha Farm, 342 Crabapple Lane, Ridgeland, SC 29936, to provide care of mistreated and injured animals; or to you may volunteer for Friends of the Fallen, who assist families bring home their service member for the last time, visit www.friendsofthefallen.org.
Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com.
Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Capt. Cullen
Sponsored by Anita ~ Honoring Sara's brave and selfless service to our beloved USA. - Memorial Day 2013.
Laurie Mercado
June 17, 2023
Did not know you Captain Cullen ..... But thank you for serving for my freedom and millions more ! I live in Kansas all my life im married and my maiden name is Cullen ! There are not many of us but we are out there in this big world ! Many blessings and condolences to the familly in the loss of Captain Cullen! More needs to be done for military soldiers captains anybody serving in the military ! God Bless...............Laurie Mercado Cullen
Ronald Matheny
March 17, 2020
To those who loved and lost Sara. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you. May GOD bless you. I become friends with her mother years ago on Facebook. We shared our memories of our daughters il lost mine on her wedding day back in 2000 in a freak accident. Her husband of a few hours was also was a Helicopter pilot for the Mississippi national guard. We had so much in common. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her as I am sure all of you do. Just take heart in the fact that we will all meet again with Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour.
Rox/ken Dean
March 16, 2020
You were a gift to us as we shared our lives with your amazing parents!
Roxanne Dean
March 16, 2019
We had he privilege of staying in sara's parents "wedding room"...just prior to sara' and Chris's wedding...we learned much about her aspirations...we are sad for all involved but are blessed to be connected to her family for the influence she had on so many!!!! Rox and ken
Ronald Matheny
March 16, 2019
Words can not express how I'm feeling getting this email about Sara. Lynn I hope you take comfort knowing she died doing what she loved. My deepest condolences go out to you and all your family. My God bless you.
Lori Koczak
January 3, 2017
This evening at my Bible Study Class I was given a "Steel Hearts" bracelet in Sara's memory. I believe that it was God's plan that I received this. I will wear it proudly in Sara's memory and she will be remembered in my prayers. Thank you Sara for the service you gave to our country. I look forward to the day I will one day meet you in God's kingdom. God bless you.
Ronald Matheny
November 11, 2016
Ronald Matheny. I shared Veterans nation post on facebook and was so heartbroken over this tragedy. She was truly an American hero
Reggie
March 12, 2016
She may be gone for this earth but she will never be forgotten for her service to all of us in this country. RIP
May 26, 2014
Family of Sara Knutson,
My wife Sgt. Jacquelyn Wilkes sat in the same office as Sara in Afghanistan and was deeply disturbed By the loss of Sara. Today is Memorial Day. 2014. Jackie still wears a remembrance bracelet of Sara. We have been thinking her all day. Thank you for your daughter and the ultimate price your family has paid.
Star Connelly
April 7, 2013
As I sat reading your story with tears rolling down my face, I could only think of the hole that must be in your hearts.
There can be no greater loss than that of your child!!
The visit your husband received that night was one I feared for many years.
I was a military wife during Vietnam... A military mother during Desert Storm and a military sister during Iraq.
I will place your family in my prayers. God Bless...
Catharine Rhoads
March 31, 2013
Did not know you Sara, but thank you and your family for your service to our country. Your family has my deepest sympathy.
March 25, 2013
Chris, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm not sure I met Sara, but I knew she was very special for you to leave the Army to marry and stay with her. Stay strong, brother. Jim Fisher, Fairbanks, AK.
Tom and Becky Wierschem
March 25, 2013
Bill and Lynn-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I was unable to find an address to send a personal card to the both of you. We so remember Sara and the both of you as our paths crossed at West Point numerous times. Amy and Sara were in Glee Club their first year and continued their friendship throughout flight school in Alabama and beyond. We stopped and visited Sara at her apartment in Alabama the last time I visited Amy a few years ago. Despite their differences they remained good friends and Amy is hurting so much with Sara's untimely death. My heart aches for the both of you at this difficult time. Sara will so be missed. May you find the only peace this world has to offer in the loving arms of our Savior.
Sincerely
Tom and Becky Wierschem
Marion
March 25, 2013
I don't know Cpt. Cullen personally however my son does. My son Jeffrey, also from Carroll County is currently stationed at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan and worked with Sarah. He worked with her a few times as a Gunner on the helicopter. I have only talked to him briefly. He stated that he and all her fellow soldiers are deeply saddened by the loss of Sara and the fallen 5.
My sincere condolences go out Sarah's parents. God Bless them during this difficult time and thank you for raising such an honorable daughter.
Lynne Neibert
March 25, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your daughter and wife's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
March 24, 2013
Lynn, Bill and family, our deepest sympathy, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers, we are so very sorry for your loss. May God grant you comfort and peace, Cheryl& David Pohlit
Jennifer Clark Walts
March 24, 2013
My deepest condolences go to the family of this wonderful and beautiful young woman. I went to Ladycliff and am currently living at Fort Stewart. We are grieving the loss of these young people killed this week.
Colonel Nancy Buyarski Dunn
March 24, 2013
My deepest condolences to Captain Cullen's husband, parents, family and friends.
I would also like to thank her family for their service and sacrifice, who have also served through their support of Sara's extraordinary career in the Army.
I would like you to know that your daughter's service information will be added to a special touch screen exhibit at the U.S. Army Women's Museum at Fort Lee, Virginia. The exhibit honors the service and sacrifice of the Army women who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The exhibit also features a metal tree that has a duplicate dog tag for each of the women.
Your are in the thoughts and prayers of many former and current Army women.
Charlie Gili
March 24, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Cullen Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of CAPT. SARA CULLEN. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
March 24, 2013
My son Jason is stationed in Afghanistan now and was at Ft. Hunter with your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.
Roxanne Dean
March 24, 2013
Lynn, Bill, Chris, Kelly, and Keith ....Praying for all of you during these days as we remember the joy and love that you all share as a family and the closeness that sara maintained with all of you during challenging times. What a legacy! love, rox and ken
Daria McGehee
March 22, 2013
I never met you Sara but I remember talking with your Dad at our work as you were entering the academy and how very proud he was of you. I know you were a very special woman and I want to thank you for all you have done. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless each one with His peace and knowledge you will be together again.
Michelle Woods
March 22, 2013
Capt. Sara Cullen thank you for your service and may God bless your family during this difficult time.
Lilies are for peace
Sykesville Resident
March 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Capt. Sara Cullen and her family. Thank you for serving and protecting our country. God Bless you!
Troy Graham
March 22, 2013
For someone who I never knew, I can tell this lady was very remarkable. Their is no way to express the grief that I feel for her family. Capt. Knutson's service to this country will always be remembered, and she will never be forgotten. You are in my deepest thoughts and prayers.
March 22, 2013
God Bless You! Thank you for your service. Praying for your family during this very difficult time.
The Earland Family
March 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy is with you on your loss. It is obvious that your family will miss this special person in your lives. These are truly “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) May the peace promised in God's word (John 14:27) be active and may you all be helped to endure these difficult times.
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