John "Barney" Barnes grew up in East Tennessee graduated from Carson-Newman University in 1968. Barney then joined the Navy as an Aviation Cadet earning his commission as a Naval Officer in April of 1969. He then completed his flight training, earning his Navy "wings of gold" in April of 1970.

Barney fought in the Vietnam War effort, flying helicopters there in support of navy SEAL teams, Swift Boats, and other allied units. His squadron, known as The Seawolves, was the highest decorated Navy squadron of the Vietnam War. Subsequent to his time in Vietnam, Barney's 25-year Navy career included flight instruction and leading Navy Corrections efforts in Washington, D.C. and Charleston, SC. After retirement from the Navy, Barney has used his leadership skills and experience to bring needed reform to various criminal justice efforts in America. He also now serves as the "National Ambassador for the Military and Prisons" for the Promise Keepers ministry. As a result of his outstanding service both in the Navy and civilian life thereafter, Barney has been the recipient of numerous awards and medals.

Barney understands more deeply than most leaders the importance of men engaging life with a warrior heart and mindset. He is the author of Born to Be a Warrior based upon his life in the warrior culture, and he continues to speak to many groups motivating men to be all that God has called them to be. His second book, The Sacred Art of Leadership: Turning the Soul Toward a Noble Purpose, will be out later this year.

Barney and his wife Pat have been married for 52 years and reside in Summerville, SC.

In this podcast, John "Barney" Barnes is joined by fellow warriors for Jesus, Angel Zapata and Jacob Brumbach as they together share how we need to show our love for God and others by being courageous warriors empowered by His Spirit and following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.