Trae grew up in West Tennessee and joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 immediately after graduating High School. He went on to serve in the Infantry for over 21 years culminating as a Command Sergeant Major. While on Active Duty, he served on multiple combat deployments and earned awards such as the Combat Infantryman Badge, 2-Purple Hearts (Combat Wounded), The Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, and a Legion of Merit before the Lord allowed him to retire from Active Duty and answer his calling to Pastoral Counseling in 2024.
Trae holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration with a minor in Business from Austin Peay State University as well as a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling: Family and Marriage from Liberty University.
Trae came to East Leesville Baptist Church to serve as the Military and Family Life Pastoral Counselor in August of 2024. He feels truly blessed that the Lord is using his years of experience in military life and hardships to help the current military, veterans, and their families navigate the seasonal struggles they face each day.
Trae and his wife Kayla married September 2, 2005, and together they parent their three daughters, Addison, Avery, and Anna. Outside of the Church, the Johnson’s can often be found enjoying one another’s company hunting, fishing, and playing sports.