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Happy Fourth of July to our fellow Americans! While this holiday is typically celebrated through barbecues, fireworks and fun in the sun, it is an important to remember the true meaning of this holiday. Many men and women have sacrificed all they hold dear to protect and serve this great country. Those men and women are truly something to be celebrated. We have them to thank for our freedom! In recognition of this great day in American history, we’ve put together a short list of the top American heroes and motivational military speakers available for conferences, internal meetings, fundraisers and other special events.

Colin Powell: Colin is one of the most celebrated and respected former military members on the speaking circuit. A retired 4-star U.S. Army General, Colin was the first African-American to be named chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was also appointed Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. During his 35-year military career, Colin handled over 28 crises including Operation Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf War. As a keynote speaker for events, Colin touches on leadership, current world affairs, and his vision for democracy and peace around the world.

Marcus Luttrell: Marcus is best known as the heroic, lone survivor of Operation Red Wings. Marcus and his team were ambushed by Taliban during a seek-and-destroy mission in 2005 in which 3 of his fellow Navy SEALs lost their lives. A horrific experience, Marcus’ story was depicted in the 2013 film, Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg. Marcus returned to active duty in 2006, but suffered additional injuries that lead to his honorable discharge in 2007. He now travels the country as one of the most inspirational and motivational military speakers for leadership conferences and special events.

Rorke Denver: Rorke is a retired Navy SEAL Commander & Training Officer and the NY Times Bestselling author of Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior. Since retiring from combat, Rorke is perhaps best recognized for his leading role in the 2012 movie Act of Valor based on real-life Navy SEAL events. He also served as a team leader on the FOX reality show American Grit. Rorke can speak to the themes of overcoming obstacles and extreme odds as well as the power of coming together as one to achieve a common goal among other important leadership topics.

Jessica Lynch: Jessica is a former member of the U.S. Army who was captured and abused by Iraqi forces during the Battle of Nasiriyah in 2003. Her convoy was ambushed, leaving her with serious injuries and a prisoner of war. She was rescued several days later, and is now recognized as the first female U.S. POW to be rescued in action. She received a Purple Heart for her service among other decorations. Her capture and rescue was a national story, but Jessica maintains she is not a hero. Rather, she is a survivor and she is quick to correct people that there were others in her convoy that deserve high praise and recognition too. Jessica is one of the most humble, down-to-earth motivational military speakers available for hire.

William McRaven: 4-star Admiral McRaven has been instrumental in some of the most key decisions in modern U.S. military history under President’s George W. Bush, Barack Obama and others. Now retired from active duty after serving the longest stint in U.S. Navy SEAL history, Adm. McRaven rose to pop culture fame with his “Make Your Bed” commencement speech at the University of Texas that went viral in 2017. His keynote speeches center around key insights into leadership and risk management, resilience in the face of opposition, and how to take control of your circumstances. He teaches audiences how to hold themselves personally accountable, use teamwork to accomplish goals and how to be resilient in the face of obstacles.

Taya Kyle: Taya is the widow of prolific US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Chris is one of the most accomplished snipers in American history but was killed on home soil by a fellow retired military vet suffering from PTSD. Their story was immortalized in the award-winning film American Sniper. In 2015, Taya wrote a moving memoir titled American Wife: A Memoir of Love, War, Faith, and Renewal. The book is a touching tribute to her husband and highlights the power of faith and love in the face of war. Taya is an empowering military veteran’s family activist. Sometimes we forget the sacrifices that military spouses go through at home. Taya is a picture of strength and unity, speaking about her husband’s service and important veterans issues.

Robert O’Neill: Robert is a decorated veteran and former SEAL Team Six leader. He has lead special units in some of the most harrowing war missions in recent years including the assault on Osama Bin Laden’s compound in 2011. Although the U.S. military keeps most mission information confidential, Robert is thought to have been the SEAL who fired the fatal shots that killed the Al-Qaeda leader. Since retiring from the military, Robert has become a motivational leadership speaker and the co-founder of Your Grateful Nation. The organization provides transition support for former special ops veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

Megan Leavey: By now you’ve probably all heard the story of Megan Leavey and her military service dog Rex. The duo served two tours in Iraq and were honorably discharged after suffering serious injuries in an IED blast during a mission near Ramadi trying to clear a road for U.S. humvees. Megan received a Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with “V” for heroism in combat. Following her honorable discharge from the Marines, Megan spent years trying to adopt her service dog Rex. Finally in 2012, she was granted that wish. Megan’s story is one of courage, bravery and fighting for what you believe in.

Carey Lohrenz: Carey is a trailblazer for women in U.S. military aviation. She is the daughter of a former Marine pilot. Carey is best recognized as the first fully qualified female pilot to fly the F-14 Tomcat for the U.S. military. Carey retired from the U.S. Navy in 1999 after having flown on over 100 missions around the world. She now dedicates her time to inspiring others as a motivational speaker for hire and taking care of her 4 children. In 2014, she published her own book titled Fearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons From the Flight Deck. Carey is undoubtedly one of the best motivational military speakers for women’s empowerment and leadership events.

This list of motivational military speakers could go on forever! So many special men and women with empowering stories of leadership, overcoming obstacles, facing fear, accepting a challenge and more. Contact Celebrity Speakers Bureau today to book military speakers for your next event! Our speaker booking agents can be reached via email at booking@celebrityspeakersbureau.com or by phone at (212) 410-2853.