Leading Authorities speakers bureau represents some of the world’s top military minds. From former commanders to US Navy SEALs and top military intelligence officials, our military speakers are inspirational and provide battle-tested insights and lessons that are applicable to all industries.
Veterans Day is November 11th, and in honor of this special day, we put together a list of outstanding and admirable military veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.
Military Veterans for Audience Impact
Whether you’re hosting a large or more intimate event this Veterans Day, a speaker who celebrates and says thank you to past and present United States military veterans can provide rich insight and make an impact. To honor others is a privilege, and attendees will appreciate the experience and battleground wisdom of any of our esteemed speakers.
With veterans’ diverse backgrounds, experiences on the ground, and career challenges, people from different walks of life can feel a connection with military veterans. The speaker may share their personal story, colleagues’ stories, or lessons they’ve learned so far, instilling a sense of gratitude and reflection in listeners. Leading Authorities speakers bureau has NASA astronauts, former NATO commanders, US Navy SEALs, and more venerable figures on our list so you can find a suitable speaker for your Veterans Day event.
Inspiring Motivation
Set the tone this Veterans Day. Military strategies represent perseverance, inner strength, and hope against all odds. Veterans know what to do when all circumstances work against them, with a fighting spirit we all have within us, waiting to come out.
From general workers, executives, and stay-at-home parents to grandparents, struggling heroes, and veteran spouses, every person can gain inspiration. Our speakers can cover various topics and speak on business and military issues so that everyone feels recognized and can garner insight. At Leading Authorities speakers bureau, our aim is to create as much impact as possible through the speakers we represent. Your attendees can gain fresh perspectives, unveil certain strengths, and reignite their passions — from hobbies to careers.
With a military speaker, guests from all industries and walks of life can be inspired and motivated. Our team will consult with you if you’re not sure which speaker will work with the overall theme of your Veterans Day meeting or event.
MILITARY SPEAKERS FOR VETERANS DAY
Here is the list of our outstanding military prospects you can consider for your upcoming events and meetings this fall and spring:
- General Stanley McChrystal, Former Commander of US and International Forces in Afghanistan & Best-Selling Author
- Chris Cassidy, NASA Astronaut, Navy SEAL, CEO and President of the National Medal of Honor Museum
- Colonel DeDe Halfhill, Renowned Leadership Expert and Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
- Ambassador Harry Harris, Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired); Former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
- Dakota Meyer, Medal of Honor Recipient & Author of the New York Times best-selling book, Into the Fire
- Lisa Jaster, US Army Ranger, Leadership & Peak Performance Expert
- General John Nicholson, Commander of American & NATO Forces in Afghanistan 2016-2018
- Director James Clapper, Former Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
- General Michael Hayden, Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) & Former Director of the National Security Agency (NSA)
- General John Allen, Former Commander of NATO & US Forces In Afghanistan
- Jake Harriman, Former US Marine & Founder of Nuru International
- Charlie Linville, Former US Marine EOD (Bomb) Technician
- Michael Durant, Former Blackhawk Pilot, Prisoner of War, & The Real-Life inspiration For The Movie, Black Hawk Down
- William McNulty, Former US Marine & Co-Founder of Team Rubicon US
- General Ann Dunwoody, 1st Female Four-Star General, Retired Commander of US Army Materiel Command, & Author
- Colonel Nicole Malachowski, 1st Female Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, & Fighter Squadron Commander
- Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, 1st African American Female Combat Pilot
- Chris Fussell, Former US Navy SEAL, Managing Partner at The McChrystal Group Leadership Institute, & Author
- Scott Moore, Former US Navy SEAL Leader & Author
- Jeff Eggers, Former US Navy SEAL, Executive Director at The McChrystal Group Leadership Institute, & Author
- Curt Cronin, Former US Navy SEAL & Leadership Keynote Speaker
- Eric Olson, Former Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command and Four-Star Admiral Navy SEAL
- General Vincent Brooks, Retired Four-Star General & Former Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea
- Colonel Jason O. Harris, Decorated Combat Leader, Trust & Leadership Advisor, & Creator of No Fail Trust
To find out more about these outstanding military leaders and war veterans, keep reading and click on the links underneath to explore each individual’s profile page. There, you’ll gain deeper insight into their military experience, rewards and accomplishments, their speaking topics, and areas of focus.
GENERAL STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL
Former Commander of US and International Forces in Afghanistan & New York Times Best-Selling Author
The former commander of I and international forces in Afghanistan and the former leader of Joint Special Operations Command, McChrystal led the military’s most sensitive forces and revolutionized the way military agencies interact. Top-reviewed TED leadership speaker, General Stanley McChrystal inspires your team to bring their best selves to work every day. From his charismatic presence and easy command of the room to his dedication to events (meticulous testing of A/V equipment, highly-personalized anecdotes, willingness to attend dinners), McChrystal delivers 110%. His insights include leading by influence, relentless mission focus, and sharing a clear vision. If you are planning for 2018 leadership meetings aimed at increasing adaptability, building momentum, or crafting a new team of empowered leaders, General McChrystal is a top recommendation.
CHRIS CASSIDY
NASA Astronaut, Navy SEAL, CEO and President of the National Medal of Honor Museum
A decorated veteran of the sea, air, land, and outer space, Captain Chris Cassidy is among the leaders of an exclusive and distinguished group of accomplished military astronauts who have made an impact on and beyond this world. Recognized for his leadership and achievements as a United States Navy SEAL and a NASA astronaut, CAPT Cassidy’s various military deployments and spaceflight missions provided the catalysts for an action-packed career where he made the most of every opportunity presented to him, even in challenging and high-stakes environments.
COLONEL DEDE HALFHILL
Renowned Leadership Expert and Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Described by Dr. Brené Brown as one of her “leadership heroes and a total badass,” U.S. Air Force retired Colonel, DeDe Halfhill is a proven leader and communications executive who draws on her 25-year accomplished military career to provide a transparent, real-world perspective on the power of embracing humanness and vulnerability in leadership.
AMBASSADOR HARRY HARRIS
Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired); Former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
As the highest-ranking Asian American in the history of the U.S. Navy, Ambassador Harry B. Harris Jr. oversaw all military operations for more than half of the world’s geography as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM). Widely regarded for his leadership, Amb. Harris was selected to serve by two presidential administrations – first to lead in one of the military’s most challenging roles at a critical time when the U.S. confronted the rise of new world powers and nuclear threats, and later as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.
DAKOTA MEYER
Medal of Honor Recipient & New York Times Best-Selling Author of The Book, Into the Fire
Sergeant Dakota L. Meyer is a United States Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the military’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor. He is the New York Times best-selling author of the book, Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War. After risking his own life to provide cover for more than 30 soldiers during a battle in Afghanistan, Dakota Meyer was the first living US Marine to receive the Medal of Honor since 1973. His motivational talk draws on incredible stories and vivid visuals to energize audiences and impart lasting life lessons. In his presentations, he addresses inspiration, motivation, courage, leadership, believing in yourself, doing what is right, seizing opportunity, and what happened that day in Afghanistan. Meyer is a successful entrepreneur who also currently serves in the Individual Ready Reserve of the US Marine Corps Reserve.
LISA JASTER
US Army Ranger, Leadership & Peak Performance Expert
Lisa Jaster is a prime example of the power of persistence. At age 37, she left a highly successful career in engineering working at Shell Oil to pursue becoming an Army Ranger. Embarking on one of the military’s most grueling programs and putting herself through intense training gives her unique perspective on the meaning of dedication. After numerous setbacks she finally received the distinction of Army Ranger and engaged in a seven-year active duty career that saw tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Best embodied by her saying “there is no quitting” Lisa is a true testament to how far commitment can take you.
GENERAL JOHN NICHOLSON
Commander of American & NATO Forces in Afghanistan 2016-2018
General John Nicholson is a United States Army four-star general (retired) widely admired as a uniquely-skilled “warrior-diplomat’. He completed his term as Commander of U.S. Forces–Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support mission in September 2018, as the longest-serving commander in the Afghan theatre of war. His leadership, deep experience and close relationships with Afghan leaders were key to brokering the first nationwide ceasefire in the 17-year war and helped launch the peace initiative now underway. In reporting on the Afghan war, NPR said of Nicholson, “Maybe no American soldier knows this battleground better than Army General John Nicholson.”
DIRECTOR JAMES CLAPPER
Former Director of National Intelligence
Jim Clapper is widely renown as one of our nation’s foremost minds on intelligence. He served as the Director of National Intelligence from 2010 to 2017 under President Obama. He oversaw over 200,000 employees, the CIA, the FBI, and NSA. He was in the situation room during the infamous raid that captured Osama Bin Laden. As an active duty member of the military he saw two tours in Southeast Asia with 73 combat support missions logged and earned the rank of Lieutenant General in the Air Force. Known for his straight forward style, Director Clapper has become a go-to keynote speaker and frequent panel contributor. He has earned numerous military honors and defense community distinctions. His wisdom has earned him frequent appearances on cable news outlets as an expert on intelligence and national security. His service to this nation has become iconic.
GENERAL MICHAEL HAYDEN
Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) & Former Director of the National Security Agency (NSA)
Few have the perspective on the ever-evolving list of threats we face around the world than Michael Hayden. He is a retired four-star Air Force General who has seen firsthand the challenges our intelligence community faces. He has served as the director of both the CIA and the NSA and worked directly alongside President Clinton and President George W. Bush.
GENERAL JOHN ALLEN
Former Commander of NATO & US Forces In Afghanistan
Personally appointed by President Obama as the first American to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, he is a fresh and thoughtful thinker on what’s happening in the world. What Gen. Allen does so well is translate how security challenges will likely play out while captivating audiences with powerful stories from his time leading the military. If your group is concerned with the major trends and power competitions that will influence business over the next generation, Gen. Allen offers an incredibly in-depth and thought-provoking speech that can also be hosted as a fireside chat with a CEO or a panel discussion. We highly recommend Gen. Allen for his professionalism, charisma, and ability to translate major issues into day-to-day takeaways for executive meetings.
JAKE HARRIMAN
Former US Marine & Founder of Nuru International
A visionary and innovator whose new approach to leadership has been recognized by the White House and the Dalai Lama, Jake Harriman’s story will make you want to get up and do something. He’s a former Marine Commander who founded a unique non-profit aimed at ending extreme poverty in war-torn areas. founded Nuru International, a non-profit dedicated to stopping the root of extremism abroad in war-torn areas: Poverty, after serving multiple tours in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He developed a new hybrid model for NGOs while getting his MBA at Stanford, and inspires audiences with his incredible story of blending teamwork and innovative ideas to solve pressing problems. Run by fellow former Special Ops officers, Nuru International worked with the Obama White House to set up a new outpost in Boko Haram territory in Nigeria. Jake has combined his service as a Marine with principles learned in Grad school at Stanford to create an NGO that is committed to creating opportunities and local leadership in the world’s poorest communities. Jake talks about servant leadership, empowering a new generation of leaders, and restoring great American leadership.
CHARLIE LINVILLE
Former US Marine EOD (Bomb) Technician
Injured by a concealed IED while conducting a post-blast site sweep in Afghanistan, former US Marine, Charlie Linville, refused to be bound by his circumstances. His moving talk encourages audiences to stop saying “I can’t” and take the first step toward their goal—today. Charlie continues to challenge himself and defy the odds stacked up against him to this day. He was even the first combat-wounded veteran to summit Mount Everest.
MICHAEL DURANT
Former Blackhawk Pilot, Prisoner of War, & The Real-Life inspiration For The Movie, Black Hawk Down
Michael Durant was the pilot of Black Hawk helicopter Super Six Four that was fired upon and subsequently brought down during a combat operation in Mogadishu, Somalia, on October 3, 1993. Durant is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, POW Medal, and has received many other prestigious awards and recognition. Durant’s story is the subject of an acclaimed book and a major motion picture, Black Hawk Down. He tells the story of how he was overrun, captured, and held prisoner for 11 days after being shot down and engaged in a horrific street battle. In keynote talks. Durant shares insights on surviving adversity, courage, leadership, growth, and adaptation.
WILLIAM MCNULTY
Former US Marine & Co-Founder of Team Rubicon US
Team Rubicon US deploys teams of military veterans in response to natural disasters (and is now requested globally by name by first responders—on par with the Red Cross). William McNulty has led response teams in the aftermath of the decade’s worst disasters including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. His talks are all about unlocking potential, building a purpose-driven culture, and turning challenges into opportunities. Before founding Team Rubicon, McNulty served for nine years in both the infantry and intelligence, and worked for the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Council’s Iraq Threat Finance Cell. McNulty currently serves on the Board of Directors of Airlink Flight, Team Rubicon Australia, Team Rubicon Canada, Team Rubicon Norway, Team Rubicon UK, Team Rubicon USA, Team Rubicon Global, and the Advisory Board of the Truman National Security Project. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
GENERAL ANN DUNWOODY
1st Female Four-Star General, Retired Commander of US Army Materiel Command, & Author
General Annn Dunwoody led the US Army Material Command and is our nation’s first female four-star general. She is widely renown as one of the military’s most talented logistical experts and has been a leader and trail blazer at each step in her career. She became the first woman to lead a battalion, has overseen budgets of $60 billion, led over 60,000 Army employees across 145 countries, managed the entire Army supply chain in Iraq and Afghanistan, and became the Army’s first female named General Officer of Fort Bragg. She was awarded her fourth star in 2008 and then she wrote the book, A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America’s First Female Four Star General. Dunwoody is an expert in leadership, management, communications, and logistics. She has broken down barriers and continues to inspire others with her amazing story.
COLONEL NICOLE MALACHOWSKI
1st Female Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, & Fighter Squadron Commander
Colonel Nicole Malachowski an unmistakable leader for women in the armed services and continues to inspire people with her journey. She became the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron and has been inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame after an illustrious 21-year career. She is an Air Force Veteran and Air Force Academy graduate who has flown F-15 fighter jets into combat. With over 2,000 hours logged, 188 of which in combat, she is a distinguished leader in aviation. Her vision and accomplishments ultimately led her from the cockpit to the White House where she worked on a number of issues including mental health, employment, and veteran homelessness. Her journey was not without setbacks as she has battled a neurological tick-born illness for years and continues to educate people on the issue. She is an exciting speaker who brings energy and tremendous insight on leadership.
VERNICE “FLYGIRL” ARMOUR
1st African American Female Combat Pilot
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour went from a cop to a combat pilot in three years, the first African American woman to earn that title. Her astonishing story has earned recognition across mainstream media platforms and inspired her book, Zero to Breakthrough: The 7 Step Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. She has served as a diversity liaison to the Pentagon, and as a member of the Comcast/ NBC Universal Joint Diversity Council. As the US Marine Corps first African American female pilot she has earned two honorary doctorates, and multiple awards as a pioneer for women everywhere. Her amazing story and rapid rise are unheard of and have provided inspiration and guidance to leaders across numerous industries. Her distinctions and extensive resume provide any organization a tremendous authority from the female military community
CHRIS FUSSELL
Former US Navy SEAL, Managing Partner at The McChrystal Group Leadership Institute, & Author
For events focused on transforming your culture and becoming more agile, consider Chris Fussell. Chris is a former US Navy SEAL and a managing partner at the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute. His new book, out last year, is called, One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams, which was released in 2017, providers readers with a road map for breaking down silos, increasing collaboration, skillfully implementing organizational change, and building a “team of teams.” His book was named one of the “Top 3 books on leadership” in 2017 by Strategy + Business and it was also featured on Forbes’ summer reading list.
SCOTT MOORE
Former US Navy SEAL Team Leader & Best-Selling Author
For events focused on building no-fail teams, consider retired Rear Admiral Scott Moore. Retired Rear Admiral Moore was the number two leader in the entire US Navy SEAL organization before he retired. He shares incredible stories of missions (including how a SEAL team saved a hostage in the Horn of Africa against all odds) and hammers home the inspiring message that Navy SEALs do the impossible by tapping into the three keys of no-fail teams: Strong leadership, demonstrated trust, and dedication to peak performance.
JEFF EGGERS
Former US Navy SEAL, Executive Director at The McChrystal Group Leadership Institute, & Author
For a practical and thought-provoking look at leading through change, consider Jeff Eggers. Jeff is a senior policy advisor, security professional, executive coach, and leadership consultant with more than 20 years experience leading high-performing teams for the White House, Department of Defense (DoD), and the US Navy. He is currently executive director of the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute. Jeff presents a road map for leadership in an unpredictable world and leaves audiences with a better understanding of where they are today and where they need to go to get ahead.
CURT CRONIN
Former US Navy SEAL & Leadership Keynote Speaker
For a talk on building unstoppable teams, consider Curt Cronin. Curt, who deployed 13 times, retired from the Navy only to pursue an MBA from the London School of Economics and begin a highly-successful, global consulting career. Trained to maximize efficiency and be especially respectful of time, Curt tailors his speeches on leadership to the audience at hand. And his leadership pointers are far from hypothetical—they’re based on real-life experience and illustrated through anecdotes (including the true story of rescuing Captain Phillips).
ERIC OLSON
Former Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command and Four-Star Admiral Navy SEAL
Eric Olson is a retired United States Navy Admiral who served as the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) from 2007–2011. During his tenure as America’s top special operations officer, he was responsible for recruiting, training, equipping, and deploying broadly capable forces worldwide. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said, “As a result of his hard work, we now have the best-trained, the best-equipped, and the most experienced Special Operations Force in the history of the United States.” A senior member of the United States National Defense team, Olson is often described as one of this century’s great military leaders and credited with developing the specialized forces that have accomplished some of the most notable military operations of the last decade.
GENERAL VINCENT BROOKS
Retired Four-Star General & Former Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea
General Vincent K. Brooks is a career Army officer who recently retired from active duty as the four-star general in command of all US Forces in Korea, where he concurrently commanded United Nations Command as well as the Republic of Korea—US Combined Forces Command comprising over 650,000 Koreans and Americans under arms.
COLONEL JASON O. HARRIS
Decorated Combat Leader, Trust & Leadership Advisor, & Creator of No Fail Trust
A decorated combat veteran, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jason O. Harris is revered for his distinguished track record leading his air crews on successful missions and instilling a culture of trust in which each person owned his or her role in keeping the team out of harm’s way.
Want more military speaker options?
If you would like to explore and browse through more of the highly-respected and renowned military leaders and military-focused keynote speakers on our roster, you can either:
- View a more comprehensive list of our top-booked military speakers featured on our military speaker list page.
- Browse through our full list of top military speakers to see a more complete collection of the military leaders, brave war heroes, and courageous battlefield legends that we represent for speaking engagement
BOOK A MILITARY HERO TO HEADLINE YOUR EVENT
If you have any questions or would like to speak with a member of our team about one of these top-rated inspirational and motivational military speakers, contact our team today!
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