Rev. David Hertzberg is a 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veteran and student of our online Tai Chi training program. His life reflects perseverance, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping fellow veterans find healing and strength through Tai Chi.
He served honorably as a U.S. Army 11B Infantryman with the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington from 1980–1982 during the Cold War. The 9th Infantry Division is well-known historically and also depicted in the Vietnam War scenes of Forrest Gump.
The Injury That Set a New Mission in Motion
During basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia in April 1980, PFC Hertzberg sustained an injury from repeatedly jumping into and out of foxholes. The significant strain caused damage to the peroneal nerve in his left leg, leading over time to paralysis and loss of use of his left foot. He now walks with forearm crutches, a daily reminder of the sacrifice he made while serving.
Even with these challenges, his dedication to serving others only deepened.
Rev. David Hertzberg performing a Tai Chi form
A Connection with Tai Chi Through the Veterans Affairs (VA)
From 2009–2012, Rev. Hertzberg worked in the Internal Medicine Clinic at the Phoenix VA Hospital as a Patient Services Assistant and Senior Clerk. It was there that he first experienced seated Tai Chi through a class offered at the facility.
That class marked a turning point in his personal healing journey and revealed a new calling to support fellow veterans through accessible mind-body practices.
Now, he decided to become certified in Tai Chi Instructor through our 150-Hour online Certification Course so that he can return to helping other veterans.
Tai Chi as a Recognized Support for Veterans
Tai Chi, an exercise that coordinates movement, breath, and meditation to cultivate and balance Qi, the vital life force, is recognized by the Veterans Health Administration as a Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) List 1 therapy. This means it is required to be available to veterans across the entire VA system, when appropriate for the individual’s care plan. List 1 therapies demonstrate safety and show promising benefits for veterans’ physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
This recognition underscores the growing importance of Tai Chi as a practical, adaptable tool for improving quality of life among veterans.
👉Learn more about Tai Chi for veterans here, including the VA-recognized certification and easy procurement process for VA facilities.
A Husband-and-Wife Mission to Support Veterans Through Tai Chi
Rev. Hertzberg and his wife Cristina—his partner for 27 years, caregiver, and a certified nursing assistant—share a commitment to supporting veterans through accessible mind-body practices. Cristina is also enrolled in the Tai Chi Certification Course and will assist veterans who can practice standing movements, while Rev. Hertzberg will focus on seated Tai Chi for those living with disabilities or limited mobility.
Together, they are preparing to open Strat-O-Sphere International, a 501(c)(3) Arizona nonprofit corporation (strat-o-sphere.net) dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, veteran-centered Tai Chi and integrative support. Their work reflects a simple belief: healing becomes more meaningful when it comes from those who have walked a similar path.
Rev. David & Cristina Hertzberg
Continuing the Legacy of Service
Rev. Hertzberg’s life is a powerful example of veterans helping veterans. His journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a commitment to ensuring that no veteran has to face their physical or emotional challenges alone.
Through Tai Chi, he continues his legacy of service—guiding others toward strength, stability, and renewed hope.
👉 You can start your own Tai Chi journey, too — explore our online classes and try free sessions to experience the benefits yourself.
