Directors & Officers

Board of Directors

Megan Buriak

President & Founder

Megan Buriak

As the Gold Star wife of James "Jimmy" Buriak and the President and Founder of The AWS1 James Buriak Foundation. Megan volunteers in the military community, serves as a California ambassador for Tunnels to Towers, has a Military Family Advocacy Consulting business, and is a tireless advocate for gold star families.

Rebecca Hardin

Director of Governance

Rebecca Hardin, PsyD

Rebecca joins us from Virginia, where she lives with her husband and child. She works as a clinical psychologist and has spent several years running the business operations of a multimillion-dollar company.

Theresa Jones

Director

Theresa Jones

Theresa is the Gold Star Spouse of LCDR Landon Jones, a US Navy Helicopter pilot who lost his life in service on 9/22/13. She is the mother of their 2 sons, an advocate for gold star families, a nonprofit professional, and an avid volunteer.

Matt Bettencourt

Director

Matt Bettencourt

Matt Bettencourt is a U.S. Navy Reserve MH-60S helicopter pilot and FRS instructor pilot. He currently instructs the MQ-8 Firescout as a contract simulator instructor for the U.S. Navy. Matt has extensive non-profit and advocacy experience based in his position as caregiver for his loving wife, a disabled military veteran. He is dedicated to serving our military members, past and present, and their families and the Naval aviation community.

Josh Bender

Director

Josh Bender

Josh Bender has over 18 years of experience taking care of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors , Marines Guardians and their families. Josh is a tested combat veteran who truly cares about service, sacrifice, and caring for gold star families