Steven L. Berry

Spiritual Fitness Director

Steve is the Spiritual Fitness Director for Three Rangers Foundation.  As the Director for the Foundation’s newest position, Steve is charged with the responsibility for developing and leading a spiritual wellness advocacy program for Veterans of the 75th Ranger Regiment, to include Veterans of other affiliated Special Operations units, and Gold Star Families.

Training for combat operations brings with it a necessary and heavy emphasis on Rangers remaining physically and mentally tough. However, if the spiritual, emotional, and psychological fitness of the individual Ranger fails to develop in kind, problems are sure to arise. These problems may include, but are not limited to fractured relationships, family discord, and poor moral decisions.

The Behavioral Fitness directorate is aimed at helping to shape the Ranger culture in keeping with the fundamental principles of Three Rangers Foundation, as captured in the Ranger Creed, by developing the spiritual, emotional, and mental quality of life for Ranger Veterans and Gold Star Families. 

A native of Huntington, Texas, Steve brings to the table over 40 years of pastoral ministry experience, including 30 years as a member of the US Army Chaplain Corps. Steve received his commission in 1984, entering active service as a first lieutenant in the US Army Chaplain Corps in July 1986. His rich assignment history includes duties with the 1st Ranger Battalion, the 75th Ranger Regiment, US Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), and the Joint Special Operations Command. He served with both conventional and Special Operations units in Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired from Active Federal Service in September 2014.

Steve’s dream of becoming a Ranger began when, as a boy, he purchased a copy of Ranger Jim Altieri’s book, The Spearheaders, a chronicle of Darby’s Rangers of World War II fame. He realized that dream when, as the 1st Ranger Battalion’s chaplain, he donned a black beret and repeated with his comrades, for the first time, the Ranger Creed. In 1998, Steve was selected to serve as the first-ever Regimental Chaplain for the 75th Ranger Regiment. His love for Rangers and their Families continues to the present and finds expression in his enduring desire to coach and assist “the Boys” however he is able.

Steve remains an ordained minister in the Southern Baptist Convention. Prior to entering the Army Chaplain Corps, Steve served local churches in Texas, Wyoming, and Montana. He is married to Colonel (Retired) Vanessa Berry, a former United States Army Judge Advocate.  Steve lives in Missoula, Montana, where he enjoys the Rocky Mountains, clean air, and outdoor living. They have three grown offspring, including a second-generation Ranger Veteran with service in the 1st Ranger Battalion, and four grandchildren.