Breaking Barriers in Uniform: Ryan Tillman’s Mission to Serve, Heal, and Rebuild Trust

At Mighty Oaks, we serve those who run toward danger. America’s warriors in the military, law enforcement, and first responder communities. We know the burdens they carry don’t disappear when the shift ends or the uniform comes off. And we also know that true healing comes not from status or power, but from purpose that is anchored in identity, faith, and service.

That’s why we believe stories like Ryan Tillman’s matter deeply.

In a recent episode of March or Die, Ryan, a veteran police officer, national speaker, podcast host, and now a candidate for governor of California, shared how his journey through law enforcement led him not just to a political platform, but to a ministry of reconciliation.

His story echoes the very heartbeat of our mission: to restore broken lives, rebuild families, and equip warriors to live with resilience.

From Distrust to Duty

Ryan Tillman didn’t grow up wanting to be a cop. In fact, he was raised to distrust law enforcement. But everything changed when a close family friend, himself a police officer, challenged Ryan to pray about it. What followed was a clear call from God.

“I told God, ‘If this is what you want me to do, open the door.’ And He blew the doors off the hinges.”

Despite cultural opposition and personal reservations, Ryan stepped into the badge. And he didn’t stop there. He launched Breaking Barriers United, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Sound familiar? For us at Mighty Oaks, it’s reminiscent of the mission we carry into every program: to stand in the gap for warriors who feel isolated, misunderstood, or broken.

A New Kind of Leadership

Ryan didn’t conform to the badge, he redefined it. As a black man and a police officer, he stood in the tension, often misunderstood by both sides.

But instead of retreating, he leaned in.

“If I’m going to wear the badge, I want people to trust that I’m here to serve. I want my kids to be proud of what I do.”

Through honest conversations, viral video breakdowns, and face-to-face work in schools, Ryan offered something rare: empathy without compromise. He didn’t ignore the brokenness in law enforcement culture. He exposed it, then led the charge toward healing.

That’s the kind of leadership we believe in and the kind we cultivate at Mighty Oaks. Leaders who serve first. Warriors who speak truth. Men and women of action who step into chaos and bring clarity.

Serving Those Who Serve

Ryan’s heart beats for first responders. Not just as a member of their ranks, but as a mentor and advocate. His counsel to young officers is the same counsel we share with warriors in our programs:

• Don’t let the uniform become your identity.

• Serve with humility.

• Stay grounded in faith and accountable to something higher than yourself.

• Don’t lose the reason you signed up in the first place.

“Be the kind of officer you’d want showing up when your daughter’s in an accident.”

It’s advice rooted in lived experience and it’s exactly the kind of wisdom we pass on in our programs, outposts, and aftercare communities. Because warriors don’t need more slogans. They need mentors who’ve lived it.

Why It Matters to Us

Ryan Tillman’s story reminds us that being a first responder is more than a job. It’s a calling. And when answered with humility, courage, and the power of Christ it can change lives far beyond the badge.

At Mighty Oaks, we are honored to walk alongside warriors like Ryan whether on the battlefield, behind the badge, or in the halls of leadership.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all fighting the same fight:

To never fight alone.

Join the Mission
If you or someone you know is a veteran, active-duty service member, or first responder, struggling with the weight of that calling, Mighty Oaks is here for you.

Apply to a program, find an Outpost near you, or donate to help send another warrior to a life-changing week of purpose: https://mightyoaksprograms.org

Sign up for daily encouragement: https://mightyoaksprograms.org/daily-devotional 

Watch the full episode of March or Die with Ryan Tillman here: https://youtu.be/iClojUNx_80