Jon Bureman was born in 1974 in Austin, Texas. He grew up in the military, with a father who served 20 years in the US Air Force. Military life brought his family from Texas to Maine to Japan. These significant transitions shaped Jon’s adaptability and his ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds. 

In 1993, Jon enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a signals intelligence specialist. He retired in 2013. Today, Jon is a father and proudly shares his six years of sobriety. This milestone has brought him clarity, helping him to better see the paths ahead.

Since his retirement in 2013, Jon has been searching to find his greater purpose—looking for camaraderie and understanding in others. Earlier this year, he found himself reading a VA newsletter (something he typically overlooks) and came across the No Barriers Warriors Program opportunity. He felt a strong pull, like he had truly manifested this experience.

As a No Barriers Warrior, Jon’s life has begun to change in ways he hadn’t anticipated. “I learned to truly be in the present and to know grace and compassion for myself.” He describes his experience with No Barriers as “miraculous.” 

This sentiment is the most significant transformation Jon has experienced. Working through the No Barriers 7 Life Elements, Jon gained the insight that he has spent much of his life cheering for others but has never cheered for himself. With a renewed understanding of the power of self-nurturing, he has made a commitment to try on being his own cheerleader for a while, giving himself the support and grace he’s generously offered to others as he continues down his path ahead. This includes being open to receiving from others.

One of Jon’s most impactful memories came during the in-person backcountry expedition (Phase 2 of the three phase program), deep in the Colorado mountains. It was a symbolic moment that reinforced Jon’s belief in the Universe’s subtle guidance—in this case, that guidance was to receive. 

“The Universe speaks to us in so many ways,” Jon shares. In a very secluded area, one of his leaders found a stone made for a necklace. The stone was later presented to Jon—a treasure to be found and shared. This gesture represented something much larger than just a gift—it was as if the Universe had guided this moment for him to receive. Touched and inspired, Jon transformed it into a decorative piece, which continues to serve as a powerful reminder. 

When reflecting on the No Barriers 7 Life Elements, Jon is particularly drawn to the concept of Alchemy. To him, Alchemy represents resilience, grit, and gratitude—qualities he deeply values. 

“Alchemy speaks to everything I believe in,” he explains. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities and creating something powerful from the raw materials of life. Jon blends this with his own tried-and-true life elements…Believe. Perceive. Receive. Combined, these principles help him stay grounded and open to the challenges, opportunities and experiences life has to offer.

Looking ahead, Jon is focused on applying the No Barriers Mindset to his everyday life. “Definitely patience and being in the moment,” he says, when asked which lessons are front of mind. “You’ll get there when you get there.” 

Jon is also practicing the art of knowing that perfection is not needed. “You have to give yourself grace.”

Through his No Barriers experience, Jon has recognized the importance of surrounding himself with a supportive community—a Rope Team, as we call it at No Barriers. 

“The most important work No Barriers does is helping people find a group you can trust—people who will encourage and support your vision,” Jon shares.

When reflecting on his overall No Barriers experience, Jon says, “I wish I could say this was fun and easy; this has been the biggest challenge that I’ve ever faced. I’ve survived alcoholism, and this has hit every emotion—anger, joy, exhaustion—but it’s also been the most life-changing event of my life.”

Jon’s No Barriers experience was a challenge that pushed him to discover new depths of resilience and self-compassion. He is building a No Barriers Mindset.

As Jon continues on his path, he remains committed to the belief that, with patience, grace, and the right community, we can all find the strength to break through barriers to live fulfilling and purposeful lives.