Life After Combat: Finding Purpose after Serving with John S. Berry, Jr.

In this episode, we are joined by John S. Berry, Jr., who served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He is here to share his experience with us, from his time at Airborne and Ranger School to his deployments in Bosnia and Iraq.

As an attorney and former soldier, John offers a unique perspective on the complexities of military life and the importance of finding support as a veteran. He opens up about the memories of his service, reflecting on the loss of fellow soldiers and the lasting effects of their sacrifices. Join us as we dive into the challenges and rewards of service, the bonds formed among comrades, the struggle to transition back into civilian life, and more.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:39 – John reflects on his career journey and the loss of fellow soldiers
• 5:35 – The power of brotherhood + connecting through shared experiences in the military
• 7:59 – The delayed onset of PTSD, admiration and concern for fellow soldiers who suffer, and the sense of duty that remains with veterans after service
• 13:51 – Taking action, helping others, and staying active to move forward
• 18:29 – John’s advice for veterans + applying for benefits 

John S. Berry, Jr. 

John S. Berry, Jr. fights for veterans in the courtroom and beyond. After receiving his commission as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, John completed Airborne School and Ranger School. In 1999, while assigned to the First Cavalry Division, he deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge as a platoon leader. John also served as a Company Commander in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. John finished his military career as a Battalion Commander in the National Guard and retired as a lieutenant colonel. He has since been inducted into the Nebraska National Guard Regional Training Institute Hall of Fame.

John graduated from the College of William & Mary and Creighton University School of Law, cum laude. He is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College at Mercer Law School and Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College at Thunderhead Ranch. John maintains an AV Preeminent designation from Martindale Hubbell, a Super Lawyers designation, and has been recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers for over 10 years. John has presented and lectured in the areas of jury trial skills, criminal defense, veterans’ disability appeals, and military leadership. Berry Law Firm has served over 10,000 Veterans nationwide recovering over $500 million in backpay awards for veterans. The Firm has also been awarded the HIRE Vets Planum Medallion and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Pro Patria Award.

Resources for this Episode:

Berry Law: https://jsberrylaw.com/

More information about disability benefits services for Veterans: https://ptsdlawyers.com/

Berry Law – Veterans YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BerryLawVeterans

Resources:

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.