MeKenzie is a native of Oshkosh, WI.  As a 2016 graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Madison, she majored in International Studies and French with focus on Global Health, African Studies, and European Studies.

The daughter of 23-year US Army Reserves veteran, Sergeant First Class Gary Lund, she understands the service and sacrifice made by those in uniform. After the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 Gary was deployed to Fort Benning, GA. It was during that time that MeKenzie’s family truly experienced and appreciated the love and support of the community around them.

It is that kind of support she hopes to pass along through Operation Not Alone  to those who serve and have served in our country’s military, along with their families. MeKenzie now resides in Buffalo, New York where she works as the Lead Community Engagement Specialist for Girl Scouts of Western New York and hopes to carry along the mission and vision of Operation Not Alone.