Graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1974 with a BA in History and a number of extracurricular courses, Mr. Burniece set out to put into practice the best learned lessons from that education: “body counts are instantly impressive, film is unforgettable” and history belongs to the last historian with the facts just before the book goes to press. His early work was with small businesses in Minnesota and Wisconsin that were looking for a more practical process and more profitable future.

In 1983, Mr. Burniece left Minnesota to enter the world of national politics. Arriving in Washington, DC, he joined a small non-profit foundation dedicated to the support of federal “whistleblowers” and balanced budgets. The work was non-stop for three years as one defense-related program after another was reviewed, the results presented to hundreds of members of the national press corps as well as dozens of congressmen. Much of his work was involved with the Sergeant York air defense gun that “couldn’t shoot straight” (the only defense program ever halted after entering production) and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle -- the “Human Tomb on Tracks.” As events developed, and the information became better disseminated, Mr. Burniece assisted congress in identifying program fixes acceptable to both Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives alike. Calls taken on the programs often resulted in “landslide” votes as a result of fostering good will between the most liberal and conservative members of congress, knowing they would sweep all between them to a resounding “yea.”

When the years of the Reagan “big budgets” wound down, the activity with the national press corps continued. Joining, in 1988, the small consulting center of ISAT in Alexandria, Virginia, Mr. Burniece utilized his small business background and international market research skills to foster better working understandings between the European (largely French) defense and commercial industries and the U.S. department of defense. Willing to “show and tell,” the effort largely hinged on explaining different processes and highlighting individual successes. Several centers for innovation were looped into a cooperative information sharing network, including the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development. Always, where possible, the achievements of the small business innovators were showcased, especially in the fields of medical science and information technology.

Often called upon to serve as a training officer, Mr. Burniece has acted as guidance counselor for dozens of young professionals, most notably Hmong American and French, who arrived in Washington, DC to learn the meaning of American business, governance and civil responsibility. An inveterate opponent of campaign financing and paid lobbying, the core of each training session he provided centered on the responsibility for the citizen to research, analyze, present and call for informed discussion on the part of the congress. In spite of Mr. Twain’s assurance that “we have the best congress money can buy,” cash never figured in a passing score for his students.

For a period of one year commencing in September, 1997, Mr. Burniece served on a voluntary basis as a business and community resource consultant to the Lao/Hmong Community of Minnesota. Primary activity consisted of establishing Hmong Business Advisory Group connections and the preparations for the Community to exit the welfare rolls through dedicated employment placement activity, all of which continues today. Most recently, he has been assisting in the operational establishment of the non-profit foundation “Soldiers for the Truth,” a grassroots organization for support of the armed services personnel, particularly those stationed on overseas assignments. Mr. Burniece resides in Arlington, Virginia where he conducts business marketing efforts when not on call to the Hmong Community.