Minuteman Disaster Response is led by a dedicated team of talented professionals who selflessly serve communities impacted by disasters. Each member brings subject matter expertise in their respective field, and together they provide the leadership, vision, and commitment that drive our mission forward. We are grateful for their unwavering dedication to our organization and those we serve.
Our Team
Our Team
– Team –
ERIC BURKES
Executive Director - Eric learned about Minuteman’s mission during a demonstration at a local church. When he learned the quality training they provided, he knew it was the right organization for him. Eric says Minuteman is designed for people who have a desire to serve others. He knows this first-hand from his deployment to Kingsland, Texas, where helped people return to their homes following the severe flooding there.“Minuteman offers a knowledgeable and structured environment in which anyone can make a difference.”Eric is a husband and father of two, and home inspector by trade. He and his family enjoy the great outdoors, riding four-wheelers, and skiing whenever they can. Contact
ERIC BURKES
Executive Director
BRIAN MEAGHER
Director of Strategic Partnerships - Brian got involved with MDR because of working with another disaster response organization. MDR was a perfect fit for his personality, values, and beliefs. He has loved getting to know like minded folks and making an impact after survivors' worst days.“I think others should get involved with MDR because of the community. There isn't anything like it. The common goal of helping someone on their worst day is a bond that is hard to break.”Brian has three children with his wife, who is an author. Contact
BRIAN MEAGHER
Director of Strategic Partnerships
SHANNON "AL" HOPE
Director of Logistics & Training - After more than ten years as a first responder for the federal government and an equal amount of time volunteering for emergency management Al felt the need to continue using those skills to serve those in need. After moving to Texas, Al discovered Minuteman through the Collin County website and became a member the same day.“If you are looking for ways to help others and enjoy adventure, Minuteman would be a good fit.”Al spends his time away from Minuteman being a stay-at-home dad to two lovely daughters and a devoted wife. He enjoys cooking and to a lesser extent doing yard work. Contact
SHANNON "AL" HOPE
Director of Logistics & Training
PETE THIEL
Deputy Director of Relief Operations Member Since 2019 - Pete got involved with disaster relief operations to assist those who were in situations beyond their control. Working hard to help others has always come naturally to Pete, so joining the MDR Team was a no-brainer for him.When Minuteman comes to help resolve their situation, the gratitude they express is priceless. They had no hope. We had the equipment, expertise, and willingness to help, and now they have hope.Pete is a retired commodity trader and broker. He and his wife, a third grade school teacher, have two children, a daughter in medical school and a son entering senior year in college. Contact
PETE THIEL
Director of Operations
– Volunteer Leadership –
CTL Coordinator
DAN COPSEY
CTL Coordinator
PAUL POGUE
PresidentFounding Member - Paul is a founder of Minuteman, and has remained a highly active member since its inception. While delivering donated goods to Joplin following the 2011 tornado there, he was moved by the struggles suffered by victims and the high demands encountered by first responders. He recognized there was room for prepared volunteers to help in the immediate hours following such disasters. He has seen the dreams of Minuteman fulfilled and exceeded, witnessing strong growth in the team’s membership and breadth of capabilities. Asked why other people should participate with Minuteman, his reply is simple and direct:
“It is very rewarding to help those in need.”That’s the core of the opportunity Minuteman presents and provides. Paul has been involved in Missions ministry for 40 years. He also started a commercial construction company that is 40-years strong, and now run by one of his sons. He sees the parallel successes of those endeavors as no mere coincidence. Paul is blessed by his vivacious wife, Judy, and plenty of grandchildren. Contact
PAUL POGUE
President
JEFF SPELMAN
Director of Relief Operations Member Since 2018 - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Jeff with an outlet to volunteer. For Jeff, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Jeff has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Jeff believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting, and hands-on.If you have a heart for service and do not mind getting a little dirty, stepping into the gap to provide what others cannot or will not is following the Golden Rule.Contact
JEFF SPELMAN
Director of Relief Operations
SCOTT EVERETT
Director of National Expansion - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Scott an outlet to volunteer. For Scott, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Scott has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Scott believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting and hands-on.“I have been very blessed in providing for devastated communities. ”Even as a traveling sales professional with a wife and three children, Minuteman has offered Scott a platform that provides a well-balanced life and intangible rewards. Contact
SCOTT EVERETT
Director of National Expansion
JOSEPH BREWSTER
Director of Media Originally joining on with Minuteman as a part of the Rapid Response Team, Joseph has served as a volunteer since 2019 by utilizing his media background and proficient skills in drone piloting to helps those in need.I believe the MDR founders are driven by the needs of disaster victims and guided by a determination to expand our competencies and extend our services, and are doing so with a high level of expectation for conduct and professionalism that I believe is superior to many other similar organizations.Jospeh is creator and entrepreneur, a father, a husband and a passionate proponent of intentional living and productivity. Contact
JOSEPH BREWSTER
Director of Media
MICHAEL GAMBLE
ChaplainMember Since 2011 - Grateful for being one of the four men who founded Minuteman after responding to Joplin, Missouri’s EF5 tornado, Michael found an avenue to express his passion to serve those affected by disasters. For Michael, the training offered by Minuteman is not only in-depth and professional, but filled with heart, compassion and desire to effectively deploy in the midst of crisis.
“We offer an incredible “on-ramp” training for any individual -- even with little or no experience.“Michael is honored to serve as the Pastor of his local church in McKinney, Texas. He also enjoys cycling, reading, mission trips to Mexico, and Friday night pizza and movies with his wife and three children. Contact
MICHAEL GAMBLE
Chaplain
PHILLIP REEVES
Sawyer Coordinator Member Since 2023 - Phillip has been involved with disaster relief operations for many years and came into contact with MDR while serving those in need. After being impressed by the organizations structure and training, he joined the team and quickly became a regular volunteer on the team.I love helping people, but my true passion is teaching and increasing capability in others. Helping inexperienced sawyers become faster and more efficient has been very rewarding.Phillip is an Afgahanistan army combat veteran, former school teacher, and contractor. His girlfiend, also an MDR Member, and him split their time between their home in Louisiana and their home in Puerto Rico where they build response capabilites and oppurtunities. Contact
PHILLIP REEVES
Sawyer Coordinator
WILLIAM "BILL" SOMMERS
Maintenance CoordinatorMember Since 2017 - After retiring from the McKinney Post Office, Bill was looking for a way to "pay it back" with the free time he had on his hands. When he learned about Minuteman Disaster Response he thought that it would be a perfect fit for him. Bill recounted his early days with MDR by saying that the group is full of incredible individuals that come together for a common goal.
It is difficult to describe the feeling of satisfaction that I get after helping families that have been traumatized by disasters. Although we can’t solve all of their problems, we definitely make a difference.Bill leads the maintenance team for MDR, but when he's not fixing, repairing, or jerry-rigging equipment he's busy raising his dwarf goats with his wife Alisha, of 27 years. Contact
BILL SOMMERS
Maintenance Coordinator
GREG STORY
Meteorologist - Weather Operations Coordinator - Greg was introduced to Minuteman via his fellow church friends who were longstanding members of the organization, and was amazed by the desire of strangers to join together and help those in need. Being a retired meteorologist, Greg found that serving in the OPS Center would be monumental to the team's success in storm tracking.“We certainly need more volunteers, and I look forward to working along side you. And trust me, the work Minuteman does is rewarding. The gratitude shown by those we assist is not soon forgotten.”Greg spends his free time with his wife, Dawn, three children, and three grandchildren. He regularly volunteers at his local church and is an avid Texas Rangers Fan. Contact
GREG STORY
Meteorologist - Weather Operations Coordinator
BILL WERNER
Gear Coordinator Member Since 2017 - Bill retired from Texas Instruments as an Electrical Engineer, and was able to substantially increase his level of participation in several community service organizations, providing support for those that have likely just experienced the most devastating day of their lives.MDR is a well-rounded group of highly motivated volunteers with an exceptional dedication to helping others.Bill spends his free time pursuing his interests in amateur radio, mountain climbing, marine aquariums and drone operations. Contact
BILL WERNER
Gear Coordinator