Tom Bertram is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major, service-disabled veteran, and advocate for veteran healing and recovery. During more than 22 years of military service, Tom served as both an enlisted Infantry Marine and a commissioned officer, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and completing multiple overseas assignments supporting the U.S. Department of State.
Like many veterans, Tom returned home carrying wounds that were not always visible. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during his military service, he later faced the challenges of post-traumatic stress (PTSD). Despite pursuing traditional treatments through counseling and the Department of Veterans Affairs, he struggled to find lasting relief and eventually battled substance use as he searched for a path forward.
In 2019, Tom began exploring alternative approaches to healing. His journey took a life-changing turn in January 2025 when he attended a Mission Within retreat through a scholarship from Mission to Live Foundation. The experience helped him release years of emotional burden, rediscover hope, and begin building a new vision for his life grounded in purpose, resilience, and service.
Today, Tom is committed to helping other veterans realize that healing is possible. He believes recovery is not about erasing the past but about reclaiming one’s future. By sharing his own story, he hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage veterans to seek support, and raise awareness of innovative healing programs that are changing lives.
Professionally, Tom serves as a leader in corporate security while mentoring veterans and coaching individuals in leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from his military experience and personal healing journey, he is passionate about helping others move beyond survival and build lives defined by purpose, connection, and service.
Tom is proud to support Mission to Live Foundation and its mission of expanding access to life-changing healing opportunities for veterans and their families. He believes that when one veteran heals, families become stronger, communities benefit, and hope is restored for generations to come.
