Until the later 1980s, Burns was an independent petroleum and natural gas operator. When the business failed, he launched his bakery despite the odds against success and his having to learn the business from scratch. "I went from crude oil to Crisco oil," Burns said, noting that his accountant, bankers, and attorney told him that he had too much debt for his venture to succeed. Nevertheless, Wooden Spoon had some success- "No one knew I was down and out because I had a smile on my face and never stopped." Burns said that the bakery succeeded because "people respond to cookies[as] a reminder of their childhood."

Burns received his bachelor of arts degree in upper elementary education from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and his master of arts in education administration from Pepperdine University.

Burns has an extensive military career. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army by Congressman Joe D. Waggonnner on the steps of the US Capital.

In 1971-1974 he earned his military branch assignment at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland as an Ordinance Officer with a specialty as an EOD Explosive ordinance disposal, i.e. “Bomb Squad” and remained in Maryland as an instructor with the US Navy station. Taught joint service personnel, allied forces, NATO Forces, foreign national, FBI and CIA officers ranging from subjects on military munitions, clandestine devices, embassy and Presidential security and special weapons. Received the Navy Commendation Medal.

1974-1977 Transferred to Hawaii as a special weapons officer and served as a Branch Chief. Received the Army Commander Medal.

1978-1979 Joined the Army Reserves in Livonia, Michigan and served as a Prisoner of War Camp Company Commander.

1979-1997 Served in the 4th Bde, 95th Division and 4158th USAR School.

Activated in 1987 and 1989 to serve as the Ops Officer for Lone Ironman I and II. This was a real world test to verify readiness training and was conducted at Ft. Polk, La. Received the Meritorious Service Medal, highest peacetime medal for duty performance. Burns is retired as a LTC.

As a Democrat, Burns served fifteen years on the school board. Burns switched parties in 2006 and entered the legislative race winning the Republican seat on October 20, 2007. In the GOP-oriented district, Burns defeated fellow Republican and fellow Haughton resident Richey Jackson, 5,225 (50.4 percent) to 5,138 (49.6 percent).

Burns was a member of these committees for his first term; (1) Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development; (2) Natural Resources and Environment; and (3) Transportation, Highways and Public Works. He is also affiliated with the Louisiana Rural Caucus. Burns' 2nd term committees include- (1) Agriculture, Forestry, (2) Aquaculture and Rural Development, Appropriations, (3) Education & (4) Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.