A longtime military leader and former police officer has been named CEO of a growing service dog program for veterans with PTSD.
Liberty Dogs has appointed Major General Ondra L. Berry, Air National Guard, Ret., as its new Chief Executive Officer.
The organization, a national service dog training and placement program for U.S. military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, is a flagship initiative of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ondra Berry to Liberty Dogs," said Dave Duffield, Chairman of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. "His extensive military background, combined with his commitment to strong values, integrity, and creating positive and impactful organizational cultures, makes him the ideal person to lead our team. His vision and enthusiasm will be instrumental to our mission of honoring our nation’s veterans who are dealing with PTSD by providing them with a life-changing Service Dog."
Berry most recently served as the Adjutant General of the Nevada National Guard, a role he held from 2019 until his retirement in October 2024. In this position, he was responsible for planning and policy execution affecting more than 4,700 Nevada Army and Air National Guard personnel. His duties included oversight of both state and federal missions and serving as the official channel of communication with the National Guard Bureau.
Berry began his military career by enlisting in the Nevada Air National Guard in 1986 and was commissioned as a lieutenant four years later. Over his nearly 40-year tenure, he held numerous leadership positions.
In addition to his military career, Berry served 25 years with the Reno Police Department, becoming Assistant Police Chief.
He also worked as Senior Vice President of Learning and Development at MGM Resorts International.
“This opportunity with Liberty Dogs is a special calling made possible by the remarkable dedication of both the Liberty Dogs team and Dave and Cheryl Duffield,” said Berry. “The Duffields and Liberty Dogs are dispensers of hope for Veterans with disabilities, and the pups we are already training are working hard to give those heroes the freedom to live with dignity and purpose.”
Berry’s appointment comes as Liberty Dogs prepares to open its campus in Reno, Nevada, in 2026. The organization is training puppies that will be placed with veterans to support their emotional and psychological well-being.
Liberty Dogs is fully funded through the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. The foundation supports initiatives that include pairing veterans with service dogs, expanding access to care for companion animals, and backing public service programs that reflect the Duffields’ commitments.
