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, earning his Navy "wings of gold" in April of 1970.

Barney fought in the Vietnam War, 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 is the author of two books: Born to Be a Warrior and The Sacred Art of Leadership: Turning the Soul Toward a Noble Purpose. In these books and through his numerous talks to men's groups, Barney seeks to motivate men to be all that God has called them to be.

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

In this podcast, John "Barney" Barnes talks about the incredibly courageous and humble leadership of our nation's founder, George Washington in the early segment of the Revolutionary War. When all looked hopeless, Washington inspired his men not to give up but to give in to God's call, and the result was amazing! Barney uses George Washington's example to call American men today to have courage and be all that God wants them to be.