Our History
On April 12th, 2016 VeteransAIR hit the FM airwaves with one purpose, to provide news, information and analysis of value to the veteran community through radio, television, and internet podcasts, delivered without political affiliation or bias.
For the next 9 years VeteransAIR did just that under the tutelage of the late Master Chief Pete Koch. DouglasB, the owner and host of VeteransAIR did not accomplish this alone. Richard Schissler, General Manager of Lone Start Community Radio sponsored and produced the show and Darlene Gregory owner of EMW Productions, LLC. also sponsors the show.
On July 14th, 2025 Dragon6 Incorporated was formed as a non-profit in the State of Texas. A Board of Directors was appointed comprised of disabled veterans, veteran spouses and their direct children, being experts in their fields, to run the corporation.
Douglas R. Burrell, CES, CEI, PMP - President
DouglasB served with the U.S. Army for 10+ years finishing his career with his beloved 10th Mountain Division, 3/14th Infantry (Light) and is a staunch supporter of veterans and veterans’ issues. He is a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans as well as a Military Veteran Peer Network – Mentor.
DouglasB is the voice of VeteransAIR – The Veterans Hour radio program and the owner of Texas Grace Photography.
DouglasB holds licenses, certifications and degrees in Environmental Sciences, Business Management, and Information Technology.
“I believe in a world where you have freedom to be you. So be brave and grab life for the extraordinary adventure it is.”
Johnathon C. Hawk - Vice President of Operations
Johnathon C. Hawk is 22-year retied veteran of the U.S. Army obtaining the rank of E-7, as well as a 20 -year retired DOD Employee with the rank of GS-7 thus providing a wealth of Management Experience. John owns his own successful businesses. As well as the Hawk Happy Haven Farm for Cancer and special needs children. John has 38 years of Leadership experience and contributes over 1500 hours annually to community volunteer projects.
Tonya D. Van Maren - Vice President of Retail Operations
TBD
James A. Sims - Treasurer
Jim has a long and varied career with varied interaction with non-profits organizations and causes.
Primarily a software developer and tester but also an entrepreneur and rental real estate investor with B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Physics from the University of New Orleans and a Masters degree in Computer Science from the Johns Hopkins University.
Jim has worked for a variety of organizations as a software developer, tester and project manager including Martin Marietta, Gulfstream Aerospace, Space Telescope Science Institute, MITRE, Grumman Data Systems, Benefit Focus, HMSA, Harris, ThoughtWorks, and BookSurge/CreateSpace. He has taught professional and technical classes on SQL, Java, wireless networking, project management and the Internet and given numerous seminars and presentations at computer conferences on graphics, and AI.
He held various professional certifications including CWNP, CWNA, Pyrotechnics Operator (TX and LA), USCG Captain’s license and is a CERT member in Texas and Hawaii.
He started and ran the 93rd Internet Service Provider on the planet from his living room just outside Charleston, SC in 1993.
Jim has volunteered for various non-profits and participated in numerous volunteer projects including sea turtle stewardship/research, wildlife shelters, beach and waterway cleanups, trail maintenance, and has helped build or repair a dozens homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Petra Burrell - Secretary
Petra was born in Rheinberg, Germany and became a U.S. citizen in 1990. Trained as a nurse in her younger days, she has held various administrative positions in the healthcare and health insurance industries.
Allison C.R. Burrell, M.A., M.Ed., LPC - Special Advisor to the Board
Allison is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Texas. A graduate of Texas Tech University with masters degrees in Language and Culture and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Allison provides Telehealth services using linguistic and eclectic counseling techniques to assist with many mental health conditions. Allison focuses on sexual health concerns, autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. When not providing mental healthcare Allison can be found participating in local theater, art and art shows and activism in women’s issues.
Chelsea H. Van Maren - Special Advisor to the Board
TBD