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><span style="font-size: 13px;">Tammie Jo Shults possessed an early interest in flying, but she faced various obstacles on her path to becoming a military pilot. 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.

<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>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.

<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.