<p>Travis Mills’ keynote speech teaches and inspires audiences nationwide to “Never give up. Never quit.” no matter the obstacles or circumstances. Mills’ larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and incredible spirit for life engages audiences from the moment he takes center stage.</p><p>On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five servicemen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ever to survive quadruple amputee injuries. Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, near Washington D.C., Mills continues to overcome the obstacles of living life as a quadruple amputee. Every day is a battle, but Mills continues to astound everyone with his progress and with his amazing spirit. SSG Travis Mills is a genuine American hero, and for his incredible sacrifice, we are forever in his debt.</p><p> In September 2013, Mills founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans. The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well deserved rest and relaxation. Since opening in 2017 TMF has hosted 434 veterans and their families. TMF supports these veterans through their nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Veteran families who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses paid, barrier free vacation in Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s outdoors.</p><p> Mills’ story inspired the creation of the documentary <i>Travis: A Soldier’s Story</i> which played in theaters nationwide and has been featured on local and national news including Fox News’ <i>Happening Now </i>with Jenna Lee, <i>The</i> <i>O’Reilly Factor</i> with Bill O’Reilly and <i>CNN</i> with Barbara Starr, and <i>The Ellen DeGeneres Show</i>. Mills’ story is being adapted into a major motion picture. </p><p><br></p>
Ret U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, Quadruple Amputee, Author, Foundation Founder
<ul><li><strong>Never give up. Never quit.</strong></li><li>Travis Mills’ signature keynote speech inspires audiences worldwide to “Never give up. Never quit” - no matter what. Life if full of hidden bombs, and no one knows that better than Travis. Despite the devastating nature of his personal journey, his larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and incredible spirit engages audiences from the moment he takes the stage. </li><li>On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five servicemen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ever to survive quadruple amputee injuries. Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Mills has learned to thrive…and he has inspired millions while doing so. </li></ul><p><br></p>