Barto attended Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs from 1996 to 1998, and the University of Maryland from 2002 to 2004.
He is retired from the Navy and a member of The Wounded Warrior Project. He is also the owner and operator of Windy Ridge Gallery.
On July 5, 2011, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., a loud bang was heard just outside Barto’s home. He went to investigate the noise and found a car engulfed in flames after it had run into another vehicle. Yelling at everyone around to stay away from the car, Barto jumped directly into the flames to reach the vehicle door. Despite the severe heat, he was able to get the door open, unbuckle the driver and pull the unconscious man to safety. Witnesses say just after he got the driver away from the vehicle, the car exploded. Barto stayed with the man and rendered assistance until paramedics arrived.
