COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, October 19, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- John M. Barry, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), has been recognized for his accomplishments in national security, military logistics, energy resilience and strategic advisory services.

Following nearly 23 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, Mr. Barry founded True Drift Group Consulting LLC, doing business as TDG Advisory, in 2026. As founder and chief executive officer, he provides strategic counsel to organizations operating at the intersection of defense, energy, logistics, and emerging technology. His work focuses on helping clients understand national security requirements, navigate the defense enterprise and align commercial capabilities with operational realities.

Mr. Barry brings particular expertise in global energy logistics, contested sustainment, military readiness, aerospace maintenance, critical supply chains, and defense-market strategy. Throughout his career, he developed a reputation for translating complex operational requirements across military, government, and industry communities; helping senior leaders understand how energy and logistics affect military operations while enabling commercial partners to better understand the needs of the Department of War.

Prior to establishing TDG Advisory, Mr. Barry completed his military career as Division Chief for Global Bulk Fuels Management and Delivery at U.S. Transportation Command, where he helped lead the Department's global approach to bulk fuel planning, posture, and delivery. His organization supported the approximately $12 billion Joint Petroleum Enterprise and helped synchronize fuel requirements and distribution across geographic combatant commands during competition, crisis, and contingency operations.

In this role, Mr. Barry also helped modernize how the Department assessed petroleum requirements and operational risk, strengthened coordination among military and commercial energy partners, and advanced initiatives designed to improve fuel resilience in contested environments. His work reflected a central theme of his career: connecting strategy, logistics, and operational execution to ensure military forces can operate effectively wherever and whenever required.

Before joining U.S. Transportation Command, Mr. Barry served in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Legislative Liaison, where he held positions as both a branch chief and senior executive officer. Working extensively with Congress and senior Department leaders, he supported the readiness portfolios of the Air Force and the newly established Space Force. The assignment provided him with firsthand experience at the intersection of national security policy, congressional oversight, military readiness, and resource prioritization during a consequential period for the Department.

Mr. Barry is also a graduate of the National War College, where he earned a Master of Science in national security strategy in 2022. His education there further developed his understanding of national security policy, joint operations, economic statecraft, and the integration of military power with other instruments of national strategy.

Operational leadership remained a defining element of Mr. Barry's Air Force career. He commanded an aircraft maintenance squadron supporting the B-52 Stratofortress and its strategic deterrence mission and previously served as a squadron commander and Air Officer Commanding at the United States Air Force Academy, where he was responsible for the leadership and development of future Air Force and Space Force officers.

Earlier assignments provided Mr. Barry with extensive experience across aircraft maintenance, combat operations, and global mobility. He led expeditionary maintenance organizations and supported reconnaissance, personnel recovery, airlift, and other operational missions involving multiple aircraft platforms. These assignments gave him a practitioner's understanding of the relationship between logistics, maintenance, supply chains, and combat readiness; experience that continues to inform his advisory work today.

Mr. Barry's academic background complements his operational and strategic experience. In addition to his Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College, he earned a Master of Arts in counseling and leadership from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2017, a Master of Arts in management and leadership from Liberty University in 2012, and a Bachelor of Science in management from the United States Air Force Academy in 2003. His professional military education also includes Air Command and Staff College and advanced instruction through the U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School.

Throughout his career, Mr. Barry has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to military readiness. His honors include the U.S. Air Force Academy General Jerome F. O'Malley Leadership Award as the Academy's top Air Officer Commanding in 2019, as well as Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Awards at both the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and Ninth Air Force levels. He has also received recognition for exceptional aircraft maintenance and operational performance.

Beyond formal assignments and awards, Mr. Barry considers developing people one of the most meaningful aspects of his career. He continues to mentor military officers and emerging leaders, encouraging them to challenge assumptions, listen to those closest to a problem, and remain open to ideas regardless of rank or position. One principle that has influenced his leadership philosophy is the willingness to be inspired by what people are capable of contributing when leaders create an environment in which they are heard.

Born at Andrews Air Force Base and raised in a military family, Mr. Barry developed an early appreciation for service. His father served as a military fighter pilot for 30 years, while his grandfathers served in the United States Army during World War II. Their example helped shape Mr. Barry's own commitment to national service and continues to influence his work after retirement from uniform.

Today, through TDG Advisory, Mr. Barry is applying lessons learned across military operations, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the joint logistics enterprise to challenges facing both government and industry. He is particularly interested in strengthening the connections among national security, energy infrastructure, supply-chain resilience, and emergency preparedness and in helping organizations develop commercially viable solutions that also contribute to the nation's ability to respond during crisis or conflict.

As he begins this next chapter, Mr. Barry remains focused on service; building partnerships, developing leaders, and helping government and industry better understand one another. His objective is straightforward: to align strategy with operational reality and help organizations turn complex national security challenges into executable solutions.

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