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Barry's Career
Early Life
Barry Loudermilk is a native of Georgia, born and raised in Riverdale, a small community south of Atlanta. Barry’s father was a WWII veteran; and, after returning home from the war, became a construction contractor. His dad had a deep interest in Biblical theology and American history which had a significant influence on Barry.
After high school, Barry Loudermilk temporarily moved to Alaska to work construction, where he met his future wife, Desiree, at church. A year later, they were married; and shortly after he felt the call to serve his country.
Military Service
Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, both veterans, Barry joined the U.S. Air Force. Barry served in the communications and intelligence fields at duty stations in the Continental U.S., the Pacific and Arctic regions.
Barry’s military accomplishments and awards include two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the United States National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Marksmanship Medal, multiple Good Conduct Medals as well as numerous awards and citations for services during the 1986 Philippine Crisis, the 1986 Air Raid on Libya, Operation Just Cause in Panama, and Operation Desert Storm.
Eight years and three children later, Barry left the Air Force and went to work for a defense contractor; and shortly thereafter, returned to Georgia where he started an information technology services company in metropolitan Atlanta.
Businessman & Public Servant
During his over twenty years as the owner of a small business, Barry and his family became active in local politics, hoping to make a difference within their own community. Within a few years, Barry was elected by the people in his community to serve as Chairman of the local county republican party. A short time later, Barry was approached about running for the Georgia State House of Representatives; and, in November of 2004 was elected to serve at the State Capitol in Atlanta. Six years later, Barry ran for the State Senate where he served for three years before launching a year-long campaign for United States Congress. In November of 2014, Barry was elected to represent a portion of northwest Georgia as a U.S. Representative in Congress.
Running a campaign for Congress, while operating a small business and raising a family, was one of the busiest times in Barry’s life and often seemed overwhelming. But as he had done throughout his life during times of difficulty, Barry leaned on his faith and the inspiration passed down from his father.
Barry is a known authority on American History, Conservative Policy, National Security, and Government Reform. He has been featured on numerous nationally recognized television and print media outlets and has received many awards and recognition for his service during his tenure in Congress.
Some of these include:
Americans for Prosperity – Pioneer for Prosperity
National Fragrance Council – Legislator of the Year
Georgia Life Alliance – Advocate for Life
National Federation of Independent Businesses – Guardian of Small Business
Georgia Highland Medical Services – Commitment to Care Award
Georgia Department of Defense – National Guard Commendation Medal
“For untiring support to the Georgia National Guard during your tenure in the United States Congress.”
Standing Firm
Throughout his life of service to his community, state and nation, Barry has faced numerous times of trial and difficulty, including assassination attempts on he and his wife, a near fatal car wreck, a train derailment, death threats and false accusations against him and his family, and a domestic terror attack involving multiple members of congress that left numerous people injured.
For his actions during the domestic terror attack in 2017, Barry received:
Civil Air Patrol Silver Medal of Valor
“For Conspicuous heroic action at the risk of life above and beyond the call of Duty”
US Capitol Police Medal of Merit
“For bravery in the face of an active shooter, and for the immediate response in aiding the wounded and injured”
Through all of this, Barry has maintained his commitment to God, family, country, and service, with a positive attitude, by leaning on his faith. He’s often quoted something he heard his father say, “Doing what is right isn’t always easy, nor is it always popular, but it is always the right thing to do,” and this still helps to guide his life.
Family
Today, Barry shares inspirational stories of his life, and of others who have faced insurmountable odds and persevered, and how God uses these times to make us stronger.
Barry is an avid outdoorsman, a veteran, an historian, an inspirational speaker, an author, a public servant, and a patriot who loves God, his family, and his country dearly. Barry resides in northwest Georgia with his wife, Desiree. They have three grown children, and seven grandchildren.
