American Hero

<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.

<p>Captain Tammie Jo Shults is the widely acclaimed pilot who brought Southwest Flight 1380 in for a successful, heroic emergency landing in Philadelphia in 2018. Captain Shults shares how her entire life of preparation, steady leadership, and faith led her to that crucial moment in the cockpit.</p><p>She captures her extraordinary story in the book, <em>Nerves of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge</em>.

<p>As portrayed by actor Chris Hemsworth in the major motion picture, <i>12 Strong</i>, Mark Nutsch (aka Mitch Nelson in the film) shares lessons learned in the now-declassified saga of a U.S.

<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.

<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.

<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.

<p>Florent “Flo” Groberg shares his story, <i>8 Seconds of Courage</i>, inspiring audiences to see the opportunities in challenging environments and to find the strength to complete any mission.</p><p>On his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, American hero “Flo” Groberg demonstrated the ultimate selflessness when he tackled a suicide bomber, significantly minimizing casualties and preserving the lives of the command team it was his mission to protect. For his heroism, U.S.

<p>Gene Kranz shares lessons from one of mankind&#39;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.

<p>Former NASA astronaut and retired U.S.

<p>A true American hero, First Sergeant Matt Eversmann illustrates the importance of duty, courage and selfless service to succeed when ordinary circumstances become extraordinary challenges. </p><p>On October 3, 1993, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. Matt experienced the horrors of war when he and his fellow soldiers were trapped in a hostile district of Mogadishu and marked for death by an angry mob.