Graduated from Coahoma Agricultural High School and completed one semester at Coahoma Community College.  Then enlisted in the military on February 24, 1989, this is when my journey began.  Next, had the pleasure of being deployed to various State and Oversea tours during my 20 years and 7 days in the United States Army, which included four combat tours. 

    The Army provided me with the opportunity to travel and to serve my country.  Also, serving in the Armed Forces permitted me the chance to mature and build strong everlasting relationships.  Currently married to the love and rock of my life EdD. Shirley Burnett who is the Chair of the University College Department at Jackson State University.  We have three sons, Tennell Jr., Fabrizio, and Morice Burnett that are doing well.

    I retired on April 30, 2009, and was hired on July 27, 2009, as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, JROTC, instructor at Lanier High School in Jackson, MS. Currently, I have taken my expertise and skillsets to the Mighty Terry High School JROTC Bulldog Battalion starting the school year 2017-2018.

   The excitement of working with young adolescents and sharing my experiences to help them with understanding their potential to be successful, regardless of their predicaments or circumstances, is why I enjoy being a JROTC instructor. I am thankful and blessed for this opportunity to motivate young people to become productive citizens.