When Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Vargas posted his first TikTok video in 2022, he had no idea it would change his life. What started as lighthearted skits and motivational quotes has evolved into a social media platform with over 150,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, reaching upwards of 30 million people each month.
Vargas isn’t just another influencer — he’s an active-duty soldier at Fort Hood, Texas.
“I wanted to do something that could really benefit myself, my family, the community, and the country,” he said. “That’s why I joined the military.”
Vargas began his Army career on New Year’s Day 2013, starting as a cavalry scout conducting reconnaissance missions before switching to Air Defense Artillery. Over time, his passion for connecting with people pushed him in a new direction.
“After I’d been posting for a while, the Pentagon reached out and asked if I wanted to do social media for my job because I tell stories and help people,” Vargas explained. “I took them up on that.”
He initially created videos focused on resiliency training, mental health tips, and motivational quotes. But the real traction came when he blended humor with military life–skits about veterans’ benefits, family dynamics, and the shared quirks of service across different branches.
“Everyone in the military has similar stories,” he said. “A sailor might see a video and say, ‘That exact thing happens in the Navy.’ It’s a way for us to laugh at ourselves and realize we’re all in this together.”
The growth shocked him. Vargas suddenly found himself recognized in public, invited to lunches with senior leaders, and even followed on social media by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army — what he called something of a “pinch me” moment.
“It’s been a huge blessing,” he said. “I didn’t expect any of it. But seeing how I’ve been able to indirectly help people and their families. It’s been incredible.”
One reason he thinks the Pentagon reached out, Vargas keeps his content clean, approachable, and family-friendly.
“I want people to come for the funny videos, but also stay for the important things–like benefit information, mental health resources, and ways to build resilience.”
Now in his 12th year of military service, Vargas uses his platform to advocate for service members and veterans, often raising issues directly with senior military and VA leaders.
“I’ve been able to sit down with the Secretary of the VA and ask hard questions,” he said. “The bigger my platform gets, the easier it is to reach more people.”
But he isn’t stopping there. Vargas is currently enrolled in a master’s program with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor. His dream is to start — or join — a nonprofit that provides free counseling to veterans and their families, filling gaps left by the overstretched VA system.
“I don’t want cost to be a barrier,” he explained. “I want to reach those people who feel left untreated and make sure they get the help they deserve.”
Vargas knows military service can teach soldiers to react quickly, but he encourages veterans to also think long-term.
“The military trains us to be reactionary–we always have to have Plans A, B, and C ready. But when we transition out, too many of us don’t plan far enough ahead,” he said. “We need to start battle planning for civilian life years before leaving service.”
For now, Vargas continues to balance his Army career, his growing social media presence, and his studies — all while keeping his mission clear: to connect, advocate, and serve.
“Humor brings people in,” he said. “But once they’re here, I can use that platform for good. That’s what it’s all about.”
