American Hero

Travis Mills

<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.

Tammie Jo Shults

<p>Tammie Jo Shults possessed an early interest in flying, but she faced various obstacles on her path to becoming a military pilot. </p><p>Applying her lifelong trait of perseverance, she eventually became one of the first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots in the United States Navy. Her duties, before women were allowed into combat roles, encompassed teaching Out Of Control Flight as well as serving as a bogey/bandit against Top Gun students as well as other squadrons, ships or entire carrier groups.

Mark Nutsch

<p>From the battlefield to the business world, Mark Nutsch shares his remarkable story and the secrets to his success—from leading a heroic 12-man Green Beret team in defeating the Taliban to founding a wildly popular and award-winning bourbon brand.</p><p>In October 2001 following the attacks on 9/11, Mark Nutsch led a team of U.S.

Colonel Eileen Collins

<p>History-making NASA astronaut and the extraordinary subject of a forthcoming feature documentary, <em>Spacewoman</em>, Eileen Collins reveals encouraging perspective and insight on the leadership skills needed to break barriers and become a successful pioneer in your field.</p><p>One of America’s most admired women, Col. Collins became the first female to pilot a U.S. spacecraft with the Discovery shuttle flight in 1995, and the first female commander on the 1999 Columbia shuttle flight. In 2005, NASA tapped Col.

Rocky Bleier

<p>Rocky Bleier’s story - a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam - has held audiences in rapt attention for years.

Dr. Natalie Stavas

<p>An expert on chaos, Dr. Natalie Stavas faces every obstacle with the same attitude she had when she ran into a terrorist attack to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombing: “You run towards that which you fear, that which challenges you, that which is oppositional.”  </p><p>On April 15, 2013, Dr. Stavas approached the finish line of her fifth Boston marathon. Just blocks away she heard explosions, and she ran toward them.

Florent Groberg

<p>From the battlefield to the boardroom, Florent “Flo” Groberg inspires audiences to thrive in challenging environments and to find the strength to complete any mission. </p><p>Florent “Flo” Groberg’s career combines military valor with corporate leadership and strategic influence. More than a Medal of Honor recipient, Groberg is a transformative leader who has demonstrated resilience and decisiveness in the toughest environments.

Gene Kranz

<p>Gene Kranz shares lessons from one of mankind's most challenging endeavors, revealing how grit, teamwork and thoughtful leadership ensure victory in any circumstance.</p><p>An iconic NASA flight director, Gene is best known for his leadership in bringing Apollo 13 safely back to Earth and guiding Apollo 11 into history with the first moon landing.

Captain Scott Kelly

<p>A groundbreaking figure in the history of American space exploration, Captain Scott Kelly shares invaluable insights on leadership and teamwork, resilience, and embracing failure to achieve personal and professional goals.</p><p>Holding the record for the single longest mission of an American astronaut in space, Captain Scott Kelly draws from his epic life journey to help individuals and organizations redefine and reach beyond their limits.

First Sergeant Matt Eversmann (Ret.)

<p>In August 1993, Matt and his Ranger company deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of Operation Gothic Serpent. The battle was made famous by the best selling book and movie <em>Black Hawk Down</em>. </p><p>Matt spent almost nine years in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. He later served at the US Army War College and taught leadership at The Johns Hopkins University. Matt’s last military assignment was an Infantry Company First Sergeant in the 10th Mountain Division.