About Anthony V. Johson

My Story

🔵 Anthony’s Story: A Life of Mission, Mastery, and Meaning

From the Army to the courtroom, the stage to the skies, Anthony V. Johnson is a man who never stopped evolving.

🪖 Born for a Mission Bigger Than Himself

I was born at Fort Benning, a U.S. Army base where leadership, discipline, and service were part of everyday life. My father rose through the ranks from Private (E-1) to Lieutenant Colonel, serving as a military flight instructor and flying both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. He served as a chopper pilot in multiple tours in Vietnam. He was laid to rest with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery in 2005.

I began school in Nelligen, Germany, and at the age of 7, while visiting Paris, France, my father took my brother and me to a jazz café near the Eiffel Tower. A jazz band was performing and the drummer and I locked eyes. And I was fascinated with the drums from that very moment. Passion for the drums would follow me for life. And by age 14, I was performing in jazz nightclubs.

🪖 A Soldier’s Path to Manhood

In my senior year of high school, craving challenge and adventure, I met with an Army recruiter—a Green Beret sniper who operated alone in the jungles of Vietnam. He became a mentor and taught me several of the sniper tactics he used in combat. He shaped my perspective.

At 17, I graduated from high school on a Friday, and by Sunday, I was on a bus heading to basic combat training in the U.S. Army.

At 17, I was appointed Squad Leader in Basic Combat Training. I was again appointed Squad Leader in Advanced Infantry Training. Soon after, I was promoted to Corporal in the 4th Infantry Division, where I earned the nickname “The Singing Corporal” for my skills in calling cadences on long company runs.

I was selected to serve in the U.S. Army Mounted Color Guard and Drill Team, but after eight months, I desired to return to my infantry unit to remain on the front lines of leadership.

I was appointed to the position of Squad Leader at the rank of Corporal, as I didn’t have enough time in service at the time to be promoted to Sergeant. I graduated from Combat Leader’s School at Camp Red Devil where the motto was “Hard but Fair”, and I earned the prestigious Expert Infantryman’s Badge (EIB). Later, I was transferred to Wiesbaden, Germany and promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

It was in Germany where I rekindled my love for music and eventually began touring as a drummer with a local band.

🎷 Rhythm, Stage & Performance

After completing my military service, I relocated to San Francisco, and immersed myself in the world of music. I performed with: a recording act, a Big Band, two seasons for a theatre musical, as well as performing with many musical groups in several music genres.

At my peak, I performed 4 to 7 nights per week—burning the candle at both ends until I paused to visit my mother in Virginia.

That detour turned into destiny.

☢️ Nuclear Safety to Courtroom Advocacy

While in Virginia, I applied for an “entry-level management position” at a company. The company immediately invited me to interview for their Radiological Control Department—my introduction to the nuclear energy field.

The company had their own six-month school, and I was required to pass 36 exams for qualification. I was then promoted to the position of Radiological Control Monitor. After 19 months, I left the company and began working as a Senior Health Physics Technician at commercial nuclear power facilities across the United States providing:

Radiation safety and emergency response
Environmental protection
Regulatory compliance
Radioactive waste management

But while working at a nuclear facility in New Jersey, one Thursday afternoon, at 2:00 PM, I looked at the clock and made a decision:
“I’m going to law school.”

⚖️ A Call to Justice

Upon deciding to go to law school, I returned to school and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University with a 3.9 GPA in my major—then attended Loyola University School of Law, where I was selected for Moot Court honors.

As a third year law student I represented clients in jury trials on murder, armed robbery, and other major felonies. I happened to attend the only law school in the nation where cases were assigned to third-year law students who then handled the entire cases from start to finish including jury trials.

As a result of my experience, I was hired immediately by a law firm. I was hired to replace an Attorney who was leaving the firm in thirty days; however, she left the firm three days after I was hired.

The firm owner handed me her entire case load on my third day at the firm and simply stated, “Go handle it!” It was trial by fire.

After nineteen months with the firm, I opened my own law practice, and as a Trial Lawyer, I represented clients in over forty courts in various litigation matters.

But deep inside, I knew there was a greater mission waiting.

🧭 A Coach, A Creator, A Man on a Mission

Throughout every career — music, military, nuclear safety, and law — I constantly found myself mentoring. I constantly found myself encouraging others to pursue their purpose. Eventually, I realized: coaching wasn’t a side effect of my life. It was my life.

That’s when Next Mission Coaching was born.

I help men:

Reconnect with their identity
Rebuild their confidence
Rediscover their mission

I’ve always been an adventurer:

🥋 A competitive martial artist and instructor, often placing 1st or 2nd in every martial arts tournament I competed in.
✈️ A pilot and scuba diver
🌍 A world traveler and YouTuber, with over 16,000 subscribers in the first 12 months
✍️ A published author writing both fiction and nonfiction
💡 An inventor working to bring a new innovation to life

🧠 My Life Philosophy

I believe in maximizing every single gift and talent God gives you — so you never have to look back and say:

“I wish I would have…”

That’s what drives my coaching. That’s what drives my life. If you feel like you’re stuck, off-track, or unfulfilled…

Your Next Mission is waiting.

🔘 [ Schedule Your Free Call ]

Let’s get clear on your mission. No pressure. Just purpose.

What Can I Do for You?

I’ve walked through reinvention — from soldier to attorney, from burnout to breakthrough. Now I help men like you clarify your next mission, rediscover your identity, and take bold action toward a life that matters.

1-on-1 Coaching

Through personalized coaching, I’ll help you overcome stagnation, clarify your vision, and take decisive action. Whether you’re transitioning careers, recovering from setbacks, or seeking deeper purpose — I’ll guide you through it.

Clarity. Confidence. Strategy.

Together, we’ll align your mindset, mission, and methods for lasting results.

Speaking & Group Programs

I speak at live and virtual events to inspire men to rise above mediocrity and pursue meaning. My group coaching programs and courses offer structured tools to rebuild your life from the inside out.

Real Talk. Real Tools. Real Change.

Book me to speak or explore my upcoming programs.

Need Advice?

If you’re a man in transition—seeking clarity, purpose, or guidance—don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can also book a free 30-min strategy session to explore your next steps with me personally.