Bert held certifications as a Wilderness Medicine EMT-I while working in South Africa doing conservation and anti-poaching work prior to the events of September 11, 2001. Shortly after 9/11, Bert enlisted in the United States Army and completed the Special Forces Qualifications Course as an 18D Special Forces Medical Sergeant Course (Green Beret Medic) and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (A) in Okinawa, Japan. After multiple deployments, Bert was chosen to be the Senior Medic and an Assaulter with 1st Group's Commander's In-Extremis Force (CIF) C-1-1 that was tasked with completing some of our nation's highest priority operations. While in 1st Special Forces Group and the CIF unit, he deployed over 60 times and conducted over 200 missions both fighting along side and training various counter-terror units throughout Asia and the Middle East.
While in Special Forces, Bert completed many training courses including in Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC), Military Free-Fall Parachute Course, and Operational and Emergency Medical Skills Course (OEMS). Bert received numerous awards including three Bronze Star Medals and an Army Commendation Medal with a "V" Device for acts of valor in combat.
After leaving the military and serving his country honorably, Bert currently works part-time on a horse and cattle ranch in North Texas, works as a personal protection officer/bodyguard and owns the apparel and lifestyle company Peacemaker Trading Company with his wife and four rescue dogs.