Terry “Ranger” Johnson’s path toward fulfilling his dreams was a rocky one. His “comeback” story is one of resiliency, commitment to one’s goals and is full of messages that should inspire every one of us.
Terry grew up off of a dirt road five miles outside of a tiny town in east Texas. While Terry is a dedicated patriot, he admits he joined for the money and to get out of that small town.
While serving at his first duty station he encountered some Rangers and decided that would be his next career goal. There was one big problem though. Terry did not know how to swim and he flunked the pool test.
We all have fears, and Terry admits that the toughest thing he ever had to do in life was getting over his fear of water. He concentrated on swimming lessons and earned his Ranger tab seven years later. He says that getting past that swim test imbued him with confidence and a “stay in in the fight” mind set. He had to take the ASVAB test FIVE times before he qualified to join the Green Berets.
Terry served for 20 years but adds “If I hadn’t hurt my back earlier in my career I would have done 30 years. I loved the Army..there wasn’t no LIKE about it. I loved it. I thrived in it.”
Upon retiring Terry “Ranger” Johnson dedicated himself to helping and motivating others. He has published a series of books including “Stay In The Fight” and “Train Like You Fight”. We discuss some of the inspirational lessons in his books
In addition to his motivational speaking business, Terry and his son Gino also ventured into the entrepreneurship arena with Champions for Veterans, which helps Veterans reclaim their earned VA benefits.
TAKEAWAY: “Even when you are down and out you can do more – you’ve GOT more. When you show that grit it empowers others to believe they can as well.”
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