Vincent K. Brooks joined the board in March 2019 upon completing his nearly 43-year carer as an active duty Army officer, retiring as a four-star general.

General Brooks, who goes by “Vince,” is a history-maker who, during his senior year at West Point was chosen for the paramount position a cadet can hold -- the cadet brigade commander or “First Captain” – making him the first African American to lead the student body. He is also the eighth African American in history to attain the military’s top rank – four-star general in the United States Army. He was recently names a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy.

Brooks has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; a Master of Military Art and Science from the prestigious U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; was a National Security Fellow at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government; and holds an honorary doctorates.

He brings to the board extensive experience with leadership of cohesive, innovative organizations, within and beyond the military, including service as a board director of three non-profit organizations and four publicly-traded companies. He is a combat veteran and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Vince is from a career military family and claims Alexandria, Virginia as home given the long roots in maternal and paternal branches of the family tree. Vince is married to Carol P. Brooks, MA, DSc. a retired Physical Therapist and currently an adult Educator. The two reside in Austin, Texas.

"I have been a big fan of the work of Gary's foundation since he began it. From my first hand experiences with Gary performing for, or meeting with troops I was honored to lead, I saw the impact of Gary's selfless deeds. I am deeply honored to be on the Board of Directors where I can better help Gary provide heartfelt support to our Defenders, Veterans, First Responders, their Families and anyone else in need." — Vincent K. Brooks