Joseph E. Burlas, Iii

Major (Ret.) Joseph E. Burlas, III, age 56 of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2015. He was born on March 15, 1959 in Charlottesville, Virginia. After graduating from Leavenworth High School, he graduated the United States Military Academy (West Point), earning a Bachelor's Degree and a commission in the United States Army as 2nd LT. in 1982. During his Army career, he served as a Field Artillery officer, and later Public Affairs Officer while being stationed with his family in Germany and several states. After leaving active duty in 1993, Joe continued his service to our country in the U.S. Army Reserves as the Commander of the 356th Broadcast Public Affairs Detachment and became an Army Civilian, working as a journalist for the Fort Meade based newspaper 'SoundOff!', then later for Army News Service in the Pentagon. Between 1994 and 2002, he won over 15 national awards for journalism including: The George Washington Chapter Journalist of the Year, the MDW Journalism Civilian Journalist of the Year, and multiple Department of the Army Keith L. Ware awards, for excellence in journalism. Joe retired from the Army Reserves at the rank of Major in 2003. He is remembered for his faith in God, devotion to his family, and the love for his country. Major (Ret.) Burlas is survived by his wife Erika Burlas; mother Elizabeth Burlas; his four children: Joseph Burlas IV, Veronika Conner (spouse Ray Conner), James Burlas (spouse Kristin Burlas), and Rachel Burlas; and his three grandchildren: Joseph Burlas V, Braedan Conner, and Natalie Conner; his brother Robby Burlas (spouse Anne Burlas) andhis sister Becki Shannon (spouse Pat Shannon). A memorial service to celebrate the life of Joe will be heldat Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD on Thursday, July 23 at 6 PM. Christian inurnment will follow at a later date.