{"id":21397,"date":"2021-08-04T13:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T17:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/?p=21397"},"modified":"2024-12-23T15:52:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T20:52:29","slug":"inspiring-military-speakers-and-the-powerful-messages-they-deliver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/inspiring-military-speakers-and-the-powerful-messages-they-deliver\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspiring Veterans Day Speakers And The Powerful Messages They Deliver"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Although World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, the armistice, or temporary cessation of fighting, that occurred seven months earlier is often viewed as the end of \u201cthe war to end all wars.\u201d The armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Thus, Veterans Day occurs every year on November 11 as a tribute to all American veterans&#8211;living or dead&#8211;who served their country honorably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2018, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.history.com\/topics\/holidays\/veterans-day-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">18.2 million<\/a> living veterans served during at least one war. With such a wide array of experiences to draw from, veterans are able to provide audiences with incredible stories of resilience and courage. This Veterans Day, as we honor and commemorate those who have honorably served during any war, consider bringing military speakers to your events to share inspiring firsthand accounts and powerful messages on leadership, perseverance, and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out these<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/lists\/speakers-for-veteran-events.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> top Veterans Day speakers<\/a> and some of their most inspiring quotes for your event this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/397257\/Carey-Lohrenz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Carey Lohrenz<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>First Female F-14 Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, Team-Building, Leadership &amp; Strategy Expert<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/397257\/Carey-Lohrenz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21411\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited.jpg 2333w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100219_Carey_Lohrenz_AAE_Headshot-edited-2048x2046.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 193px) 100vw, 193px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Carey Lohrenz<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Carey Lohrenz was the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, a pioneer in military aviation. Having flown missions worldwide as a combat, mission-ready United States Navy pilot, Lohrenz is used to working in fast moving, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can generate catastrophic results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her book \u201cFearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck\u201d alludes to her lessons learned while serving, including the importance of leadership, finding a balance in life, and safety. As Lohernez summarizes, \u201cknowing your value, speaking up, and not flying under the radar&#8211;this is what fearless leadership is about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/404471\/Daniel-Rodriguez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Daniel Rodriguez<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Military Veteran, Purple Heart &amp; Bronze Star Recipient, NY Times Bestselling Author of \u201cRise,\u201d, Wide Receiver &amp; NFL Draftee<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Daniel Rodriguez was deployed after joining the military after his high school graduation, where he ended up surviving one of the most violent clashes in the Afghanistan war. Having made a promise to one of his close friends who died in Afghanistan, Ptc. Kevin Thompson, he decided he would try out football, despite the odds being stacked against him.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rodriguez delivers an inspiring message of determination and grit as a veteran and beyond. He encourages people to never give up: \u201cWhen you\u2019re as small as I am, people don\u2019t expect you to be much of an athlete. You either wilt under the weight of low expectations, or you rise above them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/386028\/J.R.-Martinez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">J. R. Martinez<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Actor, Best-Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Advocate &amp; Wounded U.S. Army Veteran<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/386028\/J.R.-Martinez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/motivational-speaker-jr-martinez-edited-500x500.png\" alt=\"J.R. Martinez, Motivational Speaker\" class=\"wp-image-20849\" width=\"189\" height=\"189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/motivational-speaker-jr-martinez-edited-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/motivational-speaker-jr-martinez-edited-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/motivational-speaker-jr-martinez-edited-768x767.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/motivational-speaker-jr-martinez-edited.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 189px) 100vw, 189px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>J. R. Martinez<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>During Martinez\u2019 deployment to Iraq in 2003, he suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34% of his body after his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. He has undergone over 30 different surgeries since then, but has turned his experience into inspiration for getting through anything life throws at you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Martinez shares his message of grit and determination all over the country: \u201cI\u2019ve learned in my life that it\u2019s important to be able to step outside of your comfort zone and be challenged with something you\u2019re not familiar with or accustomed to. That challenge will allow you to see what you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/389071\/Scott-O%27Grady\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Scott O\u2019Grady<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Former U.S. Air Force Captain, Fighter Pilot Who Survived After Crashing Behind Enemy Lines &amp; Author of \u201cReturn with Honor\u201d<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Captain O\u2019Grady spent 12 years in the Air Force, including survival after crashing in hostile territory while helping to enforce the NATO no-fly zone. His book, <em>Return with Honor<\/em>, recounts his story of courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His message inspires his audiences to tap into our strength and power: \u201cWe don\u2019t know what we\u2019re capable of until we have to survive. Each of us is stronger than we know &#8211; the key is learning to tap that power at will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/403069\/Shane-Ortega\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Shane Ortega<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>The US Army\u2019s First Openly Trans Soldier<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/403069\/Shane-Ortega\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/keynote-speaker-lgbtq-shane-ortega-edited.png\" alt=\"Shane Ortega, LGBTQ Activist and Keynote Speaker\" class=\"wp-image-21414\" width=\"186\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/keynote-speaker-lgbtq-shane-ortega-edited.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/keynote-speaker-lgbtq-shane-ortega-edited-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/keynote-speaker-lgbtq-shane-ortega-edited-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/keynote-speaker-lgbtq-shane-ortega-edited-768x767.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 186px) 100vw, 186px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Shane Ortega<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Ortega is an advocate, educator, and one of the top military speakers on topics such as LGBTQ equity, indigenous rights, disabled veterans&#8217; rights, MMIW, two-spirit education, land sovereignty, and colonial\/tribal law relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the first openly trans soldier, Ortega is a pillar for growth for LGBTQ+ military members and veterans. \u201cI swore to protect and help my countrymen. Sometimes helping your country doesn\u2019t mean fighting a war; it means speaking up and out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/29\/Rocky-Bleier\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Rocky Bl<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/29\/Rocky-Bleier\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">e<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/29\/Rocky-Bleier\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">ier<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Former NFL Football Player, Wounded Vietnam Veteran &amp; Purple Heart Recipient<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bleier\u2019s story of triumphs both on the football field and the battlefield show an incredible display of strength, power, and will. He was drafted as a late round pick in the NFL but before the season ended that year, he was drafted by the United States Army to fight in the Vietnam War. He received considerable wounds in combat, but over two years, he fought obstacles and made his way back onto the Pittsburgh Steelers, this time as a starting running back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bleier is well-known for overcoming challenges in all areas of his life. He believes both the military and NFL trained him to develop the courage it took to accomplish all he did: \u201cThe lessons I learned in Vietnam and in the NFL reinforced one another: teamwork, sacrifice, responsibility, accountability, and leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/397872\/Melissa-Stockwell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"color:#b29247\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Melissa Stockwell<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>First Lieutenant (Retired) &amp; Three-Time Paratriathlon World Champion<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/speakers\/397872\/Melissa-Stockwell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100620_Melissa_Stockwell_AAE_Headshot-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21416\" width=\"186\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100620_Melissa_Stockwell_AAE_Headshot-1-edited.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100620_Melissa_Stockwell_AAE_Headshot-1-edited-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/100620_Melissa_Stockwell_AAE_Headshot-1-edited-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 186px) 100vw, 186px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Melissa Stockwell<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Melissa Stockwell was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq in 2004. Three weeks after deployment, a roadside bomb left her without a leg. Despite this incredible loss, she persevered and in 2008, she became the first Iraqi War veteran to qualify for the Paralympics, competing in swimming and the paratriathlon, now a three-time world champion. Stockwell is also one of the most dynamic military speakers out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through Stockwell\u2019s triumphs, she also provides another perspective on the importance of including the family of veterans in the conversation: \u201cThose soldiers that go over to protect our freedom, they sacrifice so much to go over, but it\u2019s also the loved ones back home. I mean you tell someone \u2018thank you for your service\u2019 but it\u2019s a family affair. You have the caregivers back home, the spouses, the children &#8211; it\u2019s an all-encompassing sacrifice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For their incredible efforts and sacrifices for the United States, military speakers can open an exhilarating and inspiring dialogue for your audience this Veterans Day. Whether through their own stories of persevering through challenges, their advocacy work, or through tips on how to develop the utmost grit and determination in yourself, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/lists\/speakers-for-veteran-events.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">these veteran speakers<\/a> will bring unique value to any event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aaespeakers.com\/\" style=\"background-color:#b29247\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Let&#8217;s get booking!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Veterans Day, as we honor and commemorate those who have honorably served during any war, consider bringing a military speaker to your event to share inspiring first-hand accounts and powerful messages on leadership, perseverance, and service.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":21406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[270],"tags":[1625,725,497,2083,726,673,179,365,2082],"class_list":{"0":"post-21397","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-in-the-news","8":"tag-inspirational-speakers","9":"tag-keynote-speakers","10":"tag-military","11":"tag-military-speakers","12":"tag-motivational-speakers","13":"tag-speaker","14":"tag-speakers","15":"tag-veterans","16":"tag-veterans-day"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Veterans-Day-blog-feature-2021-2.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21397"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25551,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21397\/revisions\/25551"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}