Featured Nominee
David Berry
Sergeant
Veteran | 10 Years in the U.S. Army
What did you do in the service?
I was a Combat Medical Specialist, or Medic.
Are you active or retired?
I am a veteran. I was Honorably discharged l am not on active-duty status, nor am l retired.
What was the biggest reason that led you to join the military?
I joined the military because l did not want to go to college at that time.
What was the biggest lesson you learned in the military?
I learned many lessons during my military service, but the biggest lesson l learned was taking responsibility for my own life and actions.
Has the military made you a better person?
I would not be the man l am today, nor would l have accomplished the things l have if it were not for the military. See, the biggest misconception out there is that the military is not for everyone. That is not true. Anyone can join the military, regardless of branch, and learn so much knowledge, gain experience and gain so many benefits from it that it can serve you tremendously once you decide to leave military service. The military teaches soldiers how to fight and survive in battle and teaches soldiers how to fight and survive life in general.
What area of your life has the military helped you grow the most in?
I learned many lessons during my military service, but the biggest lesson l learned was taking responsibility for my own life and actions.
What is your perspective of patriotism?
Patriotism, to me, is the devotion and individual has toward their country. I love my country. I served my country, and I believe in the values that this country is supposed to bestow. We may live in a great country, but this country is far from perfect. There is so much hate, divisiveness, and racism in this country. Some people don’t understand that if we do not stop this madness and come together as citizens of this country and work together to build a country where everyone feels safe and secure regardless of color, creed, sex, or race, then we as people of the United States will always be divided.
What was your experience transitioning from active duty to civilian life?
When l was discharged, it was a massive blow to me. I gave 10 years of my life to the military and wanted to give 10 more, but that was no longer an option after that injury. After l transitioned out of the military, it was very hard for my family and me, but l persevered and kept going. After a year, l was able to get employment. At the moment, I also decided to go to school and get degrees that will one day put me in a position where I can help veterans on the administrative side of Healthcare. I received my bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, an MBA in Health Care Management, and a Master’s degree in Management. These degrees blessed me with career opportunities that would not be available to me under any other circumstances.
What do you do, post active duty?
I am currently working at the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Aurora, CO as a Program Analyst for the Quality, Safety, and Values Department. This position is the greatest job l have had since transitioning out of service. My Chief, supervisors, and department staff as a whole are the best group of staff members, I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
What advice would you give to others who transition into civilian life?
Stay diligent. Be prepared. Always have a plan A, B and C. Always have contingency plans. It is a rough transition, but you will be fine if you find a good support system.
What are things that people should consider before they decide to serve their country?
If you about to graduate from high school and you don’t know what you want to do with your life at that moment. Still, you want to be a responsible adult, develop self-discipline, develop the mental strength needed to be an adult and become diligent, then join the military. 4 years is all you are required to do. It’s a great decision.
