By Jeff Cheney

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, we officially presented the 2019 Distinguished Veteran Award to Peter Burns. After I became Mayor, I discussed with the Frisco Veteran Advisory Committee that I wanted a way to honor and showcase a veteran each year. The requirements are a veteran must live in Frisco for at least a year and serve their community. FVAC takes nominations in September and October. In 2017 and 2018, the award was given to Bil Cates and Duane Landa, respectively.

Rob Altman, FVAC Chair, was at City Council with beautiful plaques donated by Classique Jewelers. John Keating coins the award winners with a special coin he made. I was so pleased, along with many of you, for Peter Burns to be the winner this year. He pours his time and talent into Frisco’s students through the annual Mindbenders and YEA! (Youth Entrepreneur Academy). And, it was apparent by looking at the audience at City Council on Tuesday. It was filled with friends Peter served alongside in the Army, his church friends, and then all the young teenagers he has impacted.

One young successful entrepreneur, Gouzia Sivarajah, even presented a plaque to commemorate the dramatic effect he has had on her life and her family. When I am asked about why Frisco is so successful, I always answer that it is our people. Peter Burns is one of those truly outstanding people who selflessly and generously invest in others and ultimately, make our city outstanding. Congratulations, Peter Burns!