U.S. Senator David Perdue’s (R-GA) West Central Georgia Field Representative, Kathy Burns, recently was awarded the U.S. Army’s Meritorious Public Service Medal for her service to the Fort Benning community. One of the Army’s highest civilian honors, the medal was presented by Major General Gary M. Brito ahead of the installation’s change of command.

As a military spouse herself, Kathy has a special connection with Georgia’s military families. She works closely with Senator Perdue and his national security team to ensure Fort Benning’s interests are represented on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“Mrs. Burns played an instrumental role in consistent, timely, and responsive support for critical needs of the Fort Benning installation,” said Major General Gary M. Brito. “Mrs. Burns has proven herself to be an invaluable team member and her efforts are greatly appreciated. The United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning will remain forever grateful for her dedicated service.” 

“Kathy truly understands the needs of Georgia’s military families since she has been stationed at Fort Benning five times during her husband’s Army career,” said Senator David Perdue. “Georgians constantly tell me how much they appreciate Kathy’s passion and service to the Columbus community. Kathy is an experienced and valued member of my team, and I could not be more proud to have her representing me and the people of Georgia.”

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this special award,” said Kathy Burns. “This recognition represents the extraordinary working relationship between Major General Brito and U.S. Senator Perdue on military issues important to Fort Benning. Both of these talented leaders make my role as a Field Representative extremely rewarding and I have seen firsthand how soldiers and their families have benefited from their superb work for our service members. I want to personally thank Major General Brito for this incredible recognition and wish him and Michelle Godspeed in his next assignment.”