COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — During the month of March, we celebrate Women’s history month by recognizing remarkable women in the Chattahoochee Valley Community. The years Remarkable Woman 2025 Winner is Kathy Burns.
As the spouse of a soldier, Burns was deeply involved in Family Readiness Groups (FRG), ensuring military spouses had the resources and support they needed during deployments and transitions.
She served in various leadership roles, organizing meetings, social events, and assistance programs. Her commitment extended beyond her husband’s active-duty service, as she continued volunteering in senior spouse roles, mentoring young military families, and strengthening the connection between Fort Benning and the Columbus community.
“I was always drawn to volunteer those volunteer positions, and I was always drawn to that," Burns said. "And because of that, that's really where you make those friendships for a lifetime.”
Beyond FRGs, Burns served on multiple volunteer boards. She was recognized as Santa’s Castle Volunteer of the Year for her work providing holiday gifts to military children.
Burns was instrumental in establishing and naming the Battle Buddy Resource Center, a food and dry goods pantry for military spouses. She has dedicated countless hours to serving military families and the community.
“For me, having gone through as a newlywed bride living so far away from home, as the years went on in particular, I saw a way to give back and support young spouses, and that's been a pleasure.” Burns said.
While volunteering extensively, Burns also built an impressive career across multiple industries. She has worked as a court reporter, real estate agent, flight attendant, airline ticket agent, and even owned her own company.
“I've had probably about 18 different jobs, and this is part of what I share with spouses on these spouse panels that I always looked at that as an opportunity," Burns added. "And a lot of my girlfriends, it got to be a joke.”
Burns says her most impactful role was serving as a Regional Representative for a U.S. Senator. According to a statement from Senator David Purdue, Burns was the ideal representative for the West Central Region of Georgia because she understands the needs of Georgia’s Military families, this unique experience and her compassion for helping Georgians made her a valued member of the team. In this position, she worked to help veterans, farmers, and educators.
“I was really honored that he knew that and selected me for that job based on that, because that's really where my passion is,” Burns said.
Kathy’s impact has been widely recognized. She has received accolades from Fort Benning leadership, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and state and local officials. In honor of her contributions, the Mayor of Columbus declared July 21st as “Kathy Burns Day.”
Despite the countless awards she has earned throughout her life, Burns’ greatest honor comes from the relationships she has built and the lives she has touched. Even after facing a personal battle with breast cancer, Burns found a new way to give back—volunteering to support newly diagnosed patients through her Breast Care Navigator program, offering guidance and encouragement to those undergoing treatment.
“While I've always loved to volunteer, I. I just don't really want the recognition. I appreciate it. And it's incredible. It really is. And again, I'm humbled by all of it. But if you knew the military spouses and how accomplished they are and just incredible. It's humbling. It's it really is. But if I can do anything to highlight that, I'm happy to do that in whatever way I can.”
From military spouse to mentor, advocate, and leader, Kathy Burns exemplifies what it means to be a remarkable woman.
Each year, the winner receives a check for a charity of their choice. Burns decided to donate the $1,000 check to the Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation.
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