Board of Directors – VA Helper, Inc.

Ric Burleson – President, Founder & Director

U.S. Army Special Operations Veteran

Ric Burleson is a 100% Disabled U.S. Army Special Operations veteran who served with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and later continued his commitment to service as a law enforcement officer. His own experiences navigating the VA system — combined with the perspective of living with service-connected disabilities — give him a unique and deeply personal understanding of the challenges veterans face when seeking the benefits they’ve earned.

Determined to transform those challenges into solutions, Ric founded VA Helper, Inc., an organization dedicated to ensuring that no veteran has to face the benefits process alone. Under his leadership, VA Helper provides free, accessible, and compassionate guidance to help veterans secure the resources they rightfully deserve. Driven by respect for service and an unshakable belief in advocacy, dignity, and fairness, Ric works to remove barriers and build a clear path for every veteran in need.

Karlee Burleson – Secretary/Treasurer & Director

Banking Professional & Veterans’ Advocate

Karlee Burleson serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of VA Helper, Inc., bringing a strong background in financial management, organizational accuracy, and client service from her successful career as a banking professional. In that role, she developed a reputation for precision, trustworthiness, and the ability to support clients through complex financial transactions.

Karlee’s commitment to veterans’ advocacy is deeply personal. She stood alongside her husband, Ric Burleson, throughout his own journey navigating the VA claims process, witnessing firsthand the challenges, delays, and confusion that so many veterans face. This experience strengthened her resolve to help create a more accessible and transparent path for those seeking the benefits they have earned.

At VA Helper, Inc., Karlee combines her financial expertise with her passion for service, ensuring the organization operates with integrity, accountability, and compassion. Her goal is simple: to help veterans feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

Jacob Schultz – Director

Emergency Medical Technician & Law Enforcement Professional

Jacob Schultz brings a lifelong commitment to service and advocacy to his role as Director of VA Helper, Inc. While not a veteran himself, Jacob has served his community as both an Emergency Medical Technician and a law enforcement officer, often working closely with veterans in crisis situations to ensure they received the care, respect, and dignity they deserved.

Through family members and close loved ones who have served, Jacob has seen firsthand both the challenges veterans face and the resilience they embody. This personal connection fuels his dedication to helping veterans navigate the complexities of the VA claims process and secure the benefits they have earned.

As a Director, Jacob stands firmly behind VA Helper, Inc.’s mission to cut through red tape, advocate tirelessly, and walk alongside veterans every step of the way. His unwavering goal is to honor the service of our nation’s heroes by ensuring they receive the support they deserve.