Inspire Your Workplace

The stories from experienced Veteran presenters can help inspire employees, cultivate an atmosphere of teamwork, and enhance corporate culture.

Speaker Spotlight

Just a few fearless stories told by our passionate Veterans.
COL (Ret.) Thomas H. Kirk, Jr.
Tom's life changed in 30 seconds when his F-105 fighter plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile while flying his 67th mission in Vietnam, forcing him to eject in a farmyard about 30 miles outside Hanoi. He would spend the next five-and-a-half years in the prison camp dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton." Tom spent two years in solitary confinement and lost 95 pounds during his captivity, but never lost his love for the United States. Tom has shared his story over 500 times, always imparting hard earned life lessons.
COL (Ret.) Jim Kelsey
Jim served two tours in Vietnam, and then went into Military Intelligence, where he handled the first-ever personnel exchange between the Russians and the Americans. Jim describes his job as being in charge of the "Jason Bournes," commanding operatives worldwide while he lived in Germany at the time the Berlin Wall came down. During Desert Storm Jim was the Army’s principle liaison with the CIA, NSA and DIA. He completed his Service as Chief of Staff and Garrison Commander at Fort Huachuca, AZ.
LTC (Ret.) Dave Clukey
David served for over 20 years as a Senior Officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces, including 12 overseas deployments with 7 combat tours. The Legion of Merit and 5 Bronze Stars are among his awards and decorations. Over the course of his military career as a Green Beret, David has also served as a Director of Operations, a Battalion Commander, and a Chief of Training for the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Regiment—roles requiring strategic leadership in military theaters of operations across the globe.
David Mills
David Mills was assigned to Outpost Harry in Korea in 1953, near the war’s end, only 400 yards from a Chinese outpost named Star, and told to “hold it at all costs." Of the 88 Americans standing up against 1,000 Chinese, David was only one of a handful to survive, despite being wounded 9 times. He spent the rest of the war in a Chinese POW camp and returned home two weeks before his 18th birthday. David’s story is one of faith—in God, his country, and himself.
David Lucier
David worked in II Corps in Vietnam with Sedang Montagnards to halt enemy troops and materiel coming down the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North Vietnam. He was a member of the U.S. Army's Special Forces' Mike Force. At the age of 56, David joined his Special Forces buddies in Iraq to provide security for Americans destroying captured Iraqi munitions and went on to integrate weapons systems in Afghanistan. David was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2009.
Frank Lambert
After graduation from West Point in 1964, Frank attended Airborne and Ranger School at Ft. Benning and Jungle Survival School in Panama until assigned Company Commander of Co. D, 5/7, 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He received the Silver Star for saving his sergeant during a firefight and the Soldier’s Medal for saving his radio operator from drowning, the highest non-combat Award, and two Purple Hearts. His XO, Mike Sprayberry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing Frank, severely injured in a firefight.
BG (Ret.) Peter Palmer
Pete enlisted in the Army at seventeen years old, only one day after his high school graduation, with the goal of attending both the United States Military Academy Prep School, where he studied engineering and played both football and lacrosse, and West Point, where he also played lacrosse. During his 36- year career he had over ten major roles within the Army. He is most proud of his role in bringing democracy and elections to the Iraqi people in 2005.
Mike Burns
Mike was so moved by President Kennedy’s words about the threat of Communism that he joined the Marines and served 13 months in Vietnam from 1965-66. He was part of six major combat operations against the Viet Cong. Mike lost 28 pounds and gained 13 cavities from Vietnam’s jungles but came home to enjoy life with his wife, earn a legal degree with help from the G.I. Bill, and become CEO of several major corporations for 30 years.

Veteran Speakers

More than 50 veteran speakers are available to share their story and life lessons with your employees. 

Schedule a veteran speaker for a $1,000 tax-deductible contribution. Your gift will help develop the character and civic responsibility of students in your community by providing experiential learning programs that honor veterans and preserve their legacy. 

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