Bridget Arlene Burgess was born October 7, 1966 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Beulah Credit and Eddie Lee Credit. At an early age, she learned the Christian values of the Catholic faith that would be the guiding principles of her life. She later graduated from Istrouma Senior High School in Baton Rouge, LA with the class of 1984, and attended Louisiana State University, where she became a loyal fan of the purple and gold. In 1987, she embarked upon a life of service by joining the United States Air Force, where she served ten years of active duty, and two years in the Reserves. She fought bravely in the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. She received several medals such as Joint Service Achievement, Air Force Longevity Service, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, and National Defense Service, just to name a few.