Adrian Berry

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Biography

I am a graduate of NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) completing his Diploma of Engineering Design and Drafting in 1980.

I Joined the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve when he was just 16 years old. I served proudly for some 20 years in a number of units including: The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 15 (Edmonton) Service Battalion, 20th Field Regiment (Royal Canadian Artillery) and finally South Alberta Light Horse. I spent more than half of his service as a Transport Sergeant and Small Arms coach. It was one of my greatest passions in life and I was very active in my service to my country and have been so glad to have had all the adventures it has given me.

Married at just 19, I was so lucky to father 3 wonderful kids that have grown up to be great adults and parents in their own right.

After my first marriage ended 10 years in, I struggled with work and with finding new love in Canada for a few years before I sought out new love 1/2 way around the world in Australia where I finally started anew and married again. Moving to Australia brought me all sorts of new opportunities in regards to my work - I went from being an experienced CAD Draftsperson to a Lead Draftsperson and Chief Draftsperson in just a few years.

Encouraged by friends that could see my potential, they encouraged me to seek more responsibility and I started doing Project Engineering and Project Management roles internationally working in the Philippines and China.

Prior to leaving Canada, I started participating in Men's groups and became quite active in The Mankind Project. When I moved to Australia, it had not yet reached its shores, a few years later, another man reached out to me prompted by a mutual friend that we get together and start something. That meeting months later was the genesis of us starting our own group in Western Australia that now 10 years later nearly 1000 men have done the New Warrior Training Adventure weekend in Western Australia.

The same day that I received my Australian Citizenship, I was sworn into the Australian Defence Force... it was not nearly as much fun nor as professional as my Canadian experience, so I only lasted a couple of years.

The failure of my second marriage prompted my move to Thailand where finding a new relationship was easier and less complicated than in the west plus it was far more affordable to live than in the era of the Western Australian mining boom. I bought a condo on the beach and am fortunate to be able to have a stunning view of the ocean and the islands looking down the beach to the city in the distance.

I have loved to travel for the last 25 years - travelling to Europe with an older army buddy that mentored me in adventure 101 was wonderful. I have traveled to some 30 countries and been lucky enough to have lived in 6 of those - I love experiencing the new culture and the new food!

Sources

• First-hand information. Entered by Adrian Berry at registration.