At 7 Days for the Troops, our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment of our volunteer Board Members. These remarkable individuals bring together a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep sense of duty to serve those who have served our country. Our Board comprises community leaders, veterans, and advocates, all united by a shared goal: to improve the lives of disabled veterans.
Each Board Member plays a crucial role in guiding our organization, ensuring we remain focused on our mission to support and uplift our nation’s heroes. Their expertise and dedication enable us to create impactful programs, raise vital funds, expand our reach, inspire hope, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled veterans and their families.
Below, you’ll find more about the individuals who comprise our Board, their backgrounds, and their motivations for participating in 7 Days for the Troops. Together, they embody the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our organization, and we are proud to have them lead our efforts to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom.
Andy Carter is the Head of School at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School and brings over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His passion lies in leading students, in partnership with Christian families, to know Christ and make Him known, which is the driving force behind his work at TCPS.
Andy holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska, and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. He has been married to Rebekah for 22 years, who is also a teacher at TCPS. They have a daughter, Sydney, who is 17 and a senior at TCPS.
Beyond his role in education, Andy is deeply involved in his faith community. He serves as a minister at Providence Church in Falkner, MS, where he was a founding member in 2006. An avid musician, Andy plays multiple instruments and enjoys all kinds of music. He’s also passionate about sports and loves traveling with his family.
Reflecting on his commitment to veterans, Andy says, “I believe we owe an incalculable debt to our veterans who have defended the freedoms we enjoy every day in this great country. I am proud to work with Scott Burns and 7 Days for the Troops to support the brave men and women who have answered the call and stood in the gap for us.”
Emily Burns is the daughter of an Air Force veteran and the wife of a Marine Corps veteran, giving her a deep, personal connection to the military community. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning and is a National Board Certified Kindergarten teacher. Emily and her husband, Scott, have been married for 16 years and live in Tupelo, MS, with their three children: Hannah, Jace, and Hudson.
An active West Jackson Street Baptist Church member, Emily serves on the preschool leadership team and the choir and praise team. Her unique perspective as a caregiver, particularly as the wife of an amputee, allows her to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by caregivers of disabled veterans.
Reflecting on her role, Emily says, “I hope to use my position on the 7 Days for the Troops Board not only to make a difference in the lives of veterans but also to provide support and help for the caregivers and families of these veterans.”
Hannah Burns is the daughter of a disabled Marine Corps veteran and has lived in Tupelo, MS, for all of her 23 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and works as a first-grade assistant teacher.
Hannah is deeply passionate about serving others, evident in her involvement in mission trips to Mexico and her dedication to teaching children at West Jackson Street Baptist Church. She also loves to travel, with Washington, D.C., one of her favorite destinations.
Having grown up as the daughter of an amputee, Hannah brings a unique and personal perspective to understanding the challenges faced by disabled veterans. She has witnessed firsthand the physical and psychological trials that these heroes endure.
Reflecting on her role, Hannah says, “I am honored to have been selected to serve in a capacity that allows me to give back, even in a small way, to those who have sacrificed so much for this country.”
Kathy grew up in Greensboro, where she graduated from Page High School before pursuing her degree in History from Wake Forest University. After college, Kathy began her career as a 10th-grade History teacher, a role she loved for seven years. However, her ambitions led her to explore various professional opportunities, creating an eclectic and fulfilling career path.
Kathy’s career spans various fields, including teaching, professional modeling, retail and non-profit management, and senior leadership roles in large corporations. With over 25 years of experience in real estate management, she has built a reputation for excellence and adaptability.
Kathy and her husband, Robert, have moved 11 times throughout her life, enthusiastically embracing each new city. Kathy is known for immersing herself in her community, serving on the Boards of Directors for Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and the March of Dimes. Her passion for community service is mainly focused on helping children and veterans.
Kathy and Robert currently reside in Plantation, FL, where they plan to stay. They have four children, five grandchildren, and two beloved dogs: a Great Pyrenees named Alex and a German Shepherd named Tallinn. While she cherishes her life, the one thing Kathy would change is the distance from her children and grandchildren.
Kathy first met Scott Burns in Pearl, Mississippi, when her center, the Outlets of Mississippi, hosted a 7 Days for the Troops event to benefit Purple Heart Homes. She is honored to join the Board of 7 Days for the Troops and looks forward to contributing to the organization’s fundraising efforts to support veterans.
Kathy’s recipe for happiness is straightforward: She loves her work, stays healthy by swimming, walking her dogs, and eating well, and enjoys reading historical novels and biographies and cooking with Robert. Her motto is simple yet profound: “Be yourself; everyone else is taken!”
Colonel McDonald is a native of Pontotoc, MS, and began his distinguished career in the Air Force through ROTC upon graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1988. After completing the Minuteman III Combat Crew Training Course at Vandenberg AFB, CA, he served with the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, WY. Following his initial tour in missile operations, he transitioned into the intelligence career field, where he served with Deployable Ground Station-1 at Langley AFB, VA, and deployed multiple times to Southwest Asia.
Colonel McDonald’s career advanced as he took on key roles, including serving as the lead for the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System program at Headquarters USAF. His expertise then took him to Germany, where he worked with HQ US European Command in various capacities, ultimately serving as the Deputy Commander of the US National Intelligence Cell in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
In July 2003, Colonel McDonald was assigned to the 12th Air Force at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, where he served as the Director of Operations for the 612th Air Intelligence Squadron. He then moved to the 480th Intelligence Wing as the Assistant Director of Operations, deploying as a member of JTF-Katrina. In June 2006, he assumed command of the 303rd Intelligence Squadron, the largest U.S. intelligence organization on the Korean Peninsula, where he led surveillance and reconnaissance operations in support of U.S. Forces Korea and the 7th Air Force in the defense of the Republic of Korea.
Following his command tour in Korea, Colonel McDonald returned to Langley AFB, VA, to serve as the Deputy Commander of the Air Force Targeting Center. During this period, he also deployed with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan. In July 2010, he was assigned to the US Joint Forces Command, where he led the ISR Integration, Experimentation, and System Support Division, overseeing the Empire Challenge Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance integration and experimentation event under the Office of the Under-Secretary of Defense (Intelligence).
Colonel McDonald’s final assignments were at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, where he served as the Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance for Eighth Air Force and later for Air Force Global Strike Command. In March 2016, he was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Air Force Global Strike Command Vice Commander, a position he held until he retired from active duty on June 1, 2017.
Following his retirement, Colonel McDonald joined Raytheon Technologies in Dallas, Texas, as a Program Manager. He is married to the former Dawne Taylor, also of Pontotoc. They have three grown children, a grandchild on the way, and two incredibly spoiled dogs.
Patty grew up in Memphis, TN, and attended Memphis State University. She currently serves as the President of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation, founded by the late Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice and his son, Dan Fordice. In her role, Patty brings a wealth of experience in public relations, marketing, management, fundraising, and grant writing to the Foundation.
Patty has been an active leader in her community, serving on numerous boards and committees. She is a member of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, the River City Chapter, and the Southern Public Relations Federation. Additionally, she is Chairman of the Board for 7 Days for the Troops.
Her career includes diverse roles such as Public Affairs for the City of Vicksburg, where she managed TV 23 Government Access TV, Grant Writer for Gouras Urban Planning, Executive Director for Drug-Free Communities through Warren-Yazoo Mental Health and the White House ONDCP, and Development Director for Vicksburg Catholic Schools. Patty has always profoundly respected and loved those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Patty resides in Vicksburg, MS, with her husband, Mike Mekus. They have two grown children, Victoria and Nick, and are active members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg.
Reflecting on her journey, Patty shares, “Meeting Scott, literally by Divine Intervention and circumstances, was the beginning of a new journey for me. I’ve always had immense respect for veterans. Learning about 7 Days for the Troops, hearing Scott’s story, and the passion in his voice made me want to be part of what he was doing. I was deeply honored when he officially asked me to join the Board.”
Sherry was born in Jackson, MS, and grew up with a deep appreciation for service, as her father served in an Amphibious Tank Division in the Philippines during World War II. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi and spent most of her adult life in Memphis, TN. With over 50 years of experience in the banking and aviation industries, Sherry has also nurtured a lifelong love of traveling.
Now retired from ILS, Sherry volunteers at the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum. She gives tours, assists with bookkeeping, and manages the donor database there. She is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.
Sherry has two grown children and resides in Vicksburg, MS, where she is a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. Her deep respect for America’s veterans and those currently serving led her to join the Board of 7 Days for the Troops, where she feels she can further honor these brave men and women.
Reflecting on her involvement, Sherry shares, “Meeting Scott and witnessing his passion was incredibly refreshing. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved with 7 Days for the Troops inspired me, and when he asked me to serve on the board, I immediately agreed. It’s such an honor for me.”
Dean is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi. She attended Hinds Community College, where she received training in Child Psychology and grant writing. She is also a certified Zumba Instructor. Dean teaches at Agape Christian School and serves as the Office Administrator for her family’s business, Shiers Communications.
Dean is actively involved in her community and serves on several boards, including Vicksburg Riverfest, Vicksburg Main Street, S.T.O.R.M., the Southern Heritage Air Foundation’s Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors for 7 Days for the Troops.
Her commitment to community service is further demonstrated by her volunteer work with the Southern Heritage Air Foundation and the Warrior Bonfire Program. Dean is married to Chuck Anderson, a Marine Corps Veteran, and together they have five children: Veronica, J, Ilona, Landen, and Darby.
Reflecting on her involvement with 7 Days for the Troops, Dean says, “I have been asked to serve on several boards, and I immediately said yes when Scott asked me to join this one. I agreed mainly because I had been a part of the event he organized in the Vicksburg area and was so impressed with his commitment and passion. I cannot wait to see all we accomplish for America’s Heroes!”
Your generosity can profoundly impact the lives of disabled veterans who have bravely served our nation. 7 Days for the Troops is dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of these heroes, providing them with essential resources and support that can help them regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
When you donate to 7 Days for the Troops, you contribute to a cause that benefits those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. Your donation helps fund vital initiatives such as purchasing specialized equipment like Track Chairs, supporting veteran-focused programs, and offering assistance to those facing physical and emotional challenges.
We believe that every veteran deserves to be honored and supported, and with your help, we can make that a reality. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a recurring gift, every donation is a step toward ensuring these courageous men and women receive the care and recognition they deserve.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of our nation’s veterans, we invite you to join us in our mission. Click the button below to donate, and together, let’s continue to serve those who have served us.
Make a difference today—donate to 7 Days for the Troops and participate in our ongoing efforts to support America’s heroes.
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