Andrea Burns is a retired officer of the United States Marine Corps, serving for 24 years and achieving the rank of LtCol.  Andrea is a combat veteran, having deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006 as an Air Command & Control Officer.

As a second career, in 2008, Andrea became a business owner of Coastal Tax LLC and Franchise owner of multiple Liberty Tax offices in South Orange County.  Andrea is an Enrolled Agent and certified with the California Tax Education Council.   She assists her clients with the preparation of Business, Trust and Personal returns as well as Tax Resolution.  

Andrea is committed to helping veterans with their tax needs and serves as compliance officer for Veteran Strong.

As the Human Works Foundation's CEO/Chief Community Officer (CCO), she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in providing job readiness and career pathways for veterans, reentry populations, youth, and women. Her work emphasizes empowering individuals facing employment challenges and equipping them with the tools to achieve self-sufficiency. In 2019, Megan joined the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC) and in 2020, became the Chair of the Employment Work Group. She expanded the group's initiatives to include entrepreneurship, and in 2024, she was appointed Vice Chair of OCVMFC, where she continues to advocate for veterans' needs and address gaps in services. Her deep understanding of veteran issues and her experience in community outreach make Megan an invaluable asset to Veteran Strong USA. Her advisory role in Communications & Outreach will enhance the organization's efforts to support veterans and their families through equine therapy, ensuring that more individuals are aware of and can benefit from these transformative programs.

Andrea M. Pacholek is the President and CEO of Mindful Workforce Solutions. A trusted expert in human capital and workplace behavior, she helps businesses, leaders, and individuals optimize talent, enhance performance, and foster resilience. Andrea’s expertise spans a range of domains, including executive coaching, leadership development, health and wellness coaching, employee engagement, recruiting, strategic workforce planning, and planning memorable corporate events to ensure “a little more fun.” She is passionate about health as the foundation for peak performance, helping individuals and teams build sustainable habits in nutrition, stress management, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being. With a holistic approach, she ensures her clients thrive both personally and professionally. Andrea has always held a special place in her heart for Veterans and their families. She works with several non-profits supporting Veterans. As an advisor for Veteran Strong USA, she plays a key role in health and wellness initiatives, donor relations, fostering camaraderie, and creating meaningful events and experiences that strengthen the Veteran Strong USA community.

Franciso Fernandez-Duarte enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 11B (Infantryman) and served in the 10th MTN

Division Ft. Drum NY and in the 25th INF Division with 4 combat deployments and held the leadership position of Non-Commissioned Officer.

Following his Honorable Discharge, he utilized his post 9/11 education benefits to achieve his bachelor’s in psychology from Chapman College/Brandman with a minor in Criminal Justice. In 2022, Frank graduated with his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Frank has worked in all therapeutic settings, gaining extensive experience working with all populations in the veteran community. His mission is to help all active military and veterans reintegrate back into society and find a new purpose to live a prosperous life.

Frank is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist assisting our veterans in the Orange County Veterans Treatment Court. He is also certified as an EAGALA Mental Health Professional.

Erica Lindsay is a United States Air Force Retiree, Security Forces (3PO51), stationed at Joint Base Lackland within the 802nd SFS. As a female leader in a career field amongst predominantly male counterparts, she was promoted to positions of increased responsibility that involved working alongside highly trained and respected commanders in fast-pace and high stress environments, requiring integrity and adaptability. Responsibilities include but not limited to supervision of troops, event/ program management, emergency crisis management, background investigations in cooperation with the FBI and Interpol for foreign military and instillation clearances and implemented organizational management matters during weekly Basic Military Graduation of nearly 780 graduates and 4,200 guests. 

Upon honorable separation of the Air Force, Erica utilized her GI Bill to pursue higher education endeavors in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice at Cal Poly Pomona, and Master of Science in Counseling and Professional Psychology at California Baptist University. With an emphasis in a fight for health equality and racial justice, reunification of families and communities, and reintegration of veterans becoming prosperous and purposeful members of society. Experience includes serving and supporting clients diverse in variety and severity of psychological diagnoses in an outpatient setting via Telehealth and in-person with a focus on attachment, trauma, substance use and abuse, prolonged grief, and intra-relational function; ensuring treatment plans were compliant with standard of care set by regulating insurance companies. 

As a Behavioral Health Clinician and Court Liaison for the Veteran Treatment Court within Orange County, her role includes veterans treating justice involved Active Duty and veterans to restore hope, empower lives, and build a safer community and supported veteran. As an advisor for Veteran Strong USA, she plays a key role in mental health and community collaboration initiatives, dispersement of veteran specific treatment and community resources, and advocacy for the Veteran Strong USA community.