Welcome to our list of the Top 11 Military Keynote Speakers of 2024.
In recent years, military keynote speakers have become increasingly popular for corporate and public events. Perhaps it is because veterans have superior leadership skills compared to civilians. That, in combination with their enhanced team-building skills, make them exceptional keynote speakers. The Mollie Plotkin Group is proud to represent those who have served our country. Therefore, we have created a list that features the best of our nation’s finest.
Our list of military keynote speakers includes a diverse set of experts:
- Navy SEAL Keynote Speakers
- Pro Athlete Military Keynote Speakers
- Lead Blue Angels Pilots
- Female Military Keynote Speakers
- Military Cyber Security Experts
- FBI Special Agents
- Veteran Speakers
- Team Building Speakers
- and more…
So, don’t wait to book these speakers for your upcoming events in 2024 and 2025. We have provided an FAQ section at the end of the article, and feel free to contact the Mollie Plotkin Group for any additional information on any of our speakers. Alright, let’s get started.
The Top 11 Military Keynote Speakers of 2024
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Ben Garland
- Veteran of the United States Air Force
- United States Air National Guard Major
- Former NFL Center Lineman
Ben Garland is a former NFL player, Veteran of the U.S.A.F., and a rising star in the corporate events industry as the latest break-out military keynote speaker. Currently, he is a Major enlisted in the Air National Guard, stationed at Buckley Air Force Base. He is an outspoken advocate for his joint commitment to his country, the NFL, and Philanthropy.
Garland began his football career with the Air Force Falcons from 2006 to 2009. He went undrafted in 2010, but he was not a free agent for long. The Denver Broncos signed Garland in April of that year. However, the Broncos would have to place Garland on the reserve/military list, as he honored and served his two-year military commitment. Upon returning from Scott Air Force Base in 2012, Garland enlisted in the Colorado Air National Guard and continued his NFL career.
Garland toured U.S. military bases across the globe as part of an NFL-USO initiative, beginning in 2018. Ben Garland is a top military keynote speaker who combines his leadership experience as a professional football player and as a veteran to deliver powerful keynote speeches on motivation, teamwork, and performance. In addition, Ben Garland regularly speaks to charities that aid veterans, children, and those with mental illness. We are proud to name Ben Garland as one of the top military keynote speakers of 2024.
Book Ben Garland.
Carey Lohrenz
- First female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy
- Business consultant and leadership speaker
- Author of two Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers
As the first female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, Carey Lohrenz is accustomed to working in fast-moving, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can have catastrophic consequences.
She brings the same challenges found in the military to the business world, where markets change and customer needs evolve. Organizations select Carey Lohrenz as their military keynote speaker for her motivating and engaging keynote presentations, sharing her fascinating experiences operating on an aircraft carrier.
With her unique qualifications in winning under pressure, reducing errors, and overcoming obstacles, Carey Lohrenz is highly sought after among military keynote speakers. What’s more, her ability to connect with audiences and her knowledge and experience in leading high-performing, diverse teams make her an exceptional choice for any event.
In addition to her speaking engagements, Carey Lohrenz is also an accomplished author. She has written two Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers: Fearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck and Span of Control: What to do When You Are Under Pressure, Overwhelmed and Ready to Get What You Really Want.
Book Carey Lohrenz.
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Rocky Bleier
- Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient
- 4-time Super Bowl Champion
- Top Military Motivational Speaker
Rocky Bleier is a former NFL player, decorated war hero, and top military motivational keynote speaker. Known for his incredible comeback story, Bleier went from being an injured Vietnam veteran to becoming a starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowls in the process.
After winning the 1966 NCAA Championship with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Bleier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft. However, his football dreams were put on hold when he was drafted by the US Army to fight in Vietnam. During his service, Bleier suffered severe injuries to his leg from an enemy grenade and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery.
Returning home, Bleier faced doubts about whether he would ever be able to play football again. But he refused to give up on his dreams. Through two years of intense training and rehabilitation, Bleier overcame his injuries and made a remarkable comeback to the NFL. Then in 1972, he rejoined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ active roster, and by 1974, he had earned a starting role in the offense.
From 1974 to 1979, Bleier was an integral part of one of the greatest teams in NFL history. The Pittsburgh Steelers won four Super Bowls during this period. Then, Bleier retired from the NFL after the 1980 season as the Steelers’ 4th all-time leading rusher.
Book Rocky Blier.
John “Gucci” Foley
- Former Lead Solo Pilot of the Blue Angels
- International Philanthropist Sponsoring 380+ Charities
- Top Military Keynote Speaker Specialist in Trust, Leadership, and Teamwork
John “Gucci” Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, a philanthropist, and a top-rated military keynote speaker. His incredible journey inspires awe and motivates audiences to take action and challenge their beliefs about what is possible. John has delivered powerful speeches to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Merrill Lynch, and Million Dollar Round Table.
As the former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels and the bestselling author of Fearless Success, John “Gucci” Foley is an expert in high-performance teams. Known as The Guru of Gratitude, he uses his aviation career’s intense realities as a metaphor to inspire and invigorate teams. Flying at speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour in formations as close as 18 inches apart, John relied on a culture of high trust, leadership, and teamwork to thrive in extreme, high-stakes environments.
Book John “Gucci” Foley.
Alejandro Villanueva
- Former NFL Player, Army Ranger Keynote Speaker
- Played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens
- Earned a Bronze Star while serving three tours in Afghanistan
Alejandro Villanueva is a former professional football player and US Army Ranger, and top military keynote speaker. Throughout his seven-season NFL career, Villanueva showcased exceptional skills and dedication as an offensive tackle. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Baltimore Ravens for one season in 2021.
Before his successful NFL career, Villanueva served in the Army Rangers, where he demonstrated immense bravery and commitment. During his time in the military, he earned a Bronze Star while serving three tours in Afghanistan. These experiences shaped him into a resilient and disciplined individual.
Today, Alejandro Villanueva utilizes his unique background and experiences to inspire others through motivational speaking engagements. He is hired by corporations and institutions to deliver powerful speeches at conferences, commencements, and other events as their military keynote speaker of choice. With his captivating storytelling and insights into teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity, Villanueva leaves a lasting impact on his audiences.
In summary, Alejandro Villanueva’s journey from an Army Ranger to an accomplished NFL player has shaped him into an influential figure in both sports and motivational speaking. His story of resilience, sacrifice, and success resonates with audiences worldwide, inspiring them to reach their full potential and make a difference in their communities.
Book Alejandro Villanueva.
Jin Kim
- Retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent
- Leading Subject Matter Expert in Active Shooter and Workplace Violence Risk Management
- Principal Consultant of the PerSec Academy and Advisory Group LLC
Jin Kim is a retired FBI Agent and the foremost authority in active shooter and workplace violence risk management. With over twenty-three years of experience in the FBI’s New York Division, he served as the Active Shooter Coordinator on the Crisis Management Unit, overseeing active shooter risk mitigation and workplace violence prevention training for the FBI’s corporate programming and private sector partnerships.
During his tenure with the FBI, Jin Kim also served as the New York Tactical Training Program Manager and primary Firearms and Tactical Instructor. He is a certified ALERRT/FBI Active Shooter Tactical Instructor and has trained numerous law enforcement officers in active shooter and tactical response training.
As part of the FBI’s Police Training and Liaison Program, Jin Kim directed and instructed three specialized programs: The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) School, The Executive Protection/PSD Counter Assault Team (CAT) School, and The Observer/Sniper School.
Book Jin Kim.
Errol Doebler
- Former Navy SEAL Keynote Speaker
- Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Cyber Security Expert
- Former FBI Agent
Errol Doebler is a highly experienced leader with over 20 combined years as a Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent. He believes that combat, in all its various forms, is the ultimate expression of consequence. With his extensive background in combat leadership, Doebler has become a sought-after executive coach, military keynote speaker, and cyber security expert.
Doebler’s leadership process creates a common language that ensures consistency and clarity while allowing for flexibility in any challenge or circumstance. He shares his theories and insights in his book, The Process, Art, and Science of Leadership. Errol Doebler is one of the top Navy SEAL keynote speakers available directly through the Mollie Plotkin Group.
Book Errol Doebler.
Nate Scott
- Former Navy Fighter Pilot and Blue Angels Training Officer
- Graduate of the world-renowned Navy Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN
- Highly sought-after Navy keynote speaker on motivation and teamwork
Nate “Utah” Scott is a former Navy Fighter Pilot and Training Officer of the world-renowned Blue Angels. With a career that spans combat deployments, F/A-18 flight instruction, and leading one of the most successful teams in Blue Angel history, Nate has achieved all facets of high performance. His journey from a kid with a dream to becoming the Blue Angels Training Officer is a story that motivates and inspires.
As an Adversary Instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN, Nate understands what it takes to succeed on an individual level and how to forge a great team that excels at the highest level. He is passionate about sharing the secrets of his success as a leading military keynote speaker and serves those around him with humility, accountability, and gratitude.
Book Nate “Utah” Scott.
Chris Krebs
- Former director of the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Directed U.S. Cybersecurity Policy for Microsoft
- Former International Risk Management Advisor to the White House
Chris Krebs is a renowned cybersecurity expert and keynote speaker. He served as the first director of the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where he led efforts to manage cyber attacks on businesses and government agencies across the nation.
Prior to his role at CISA, Krebs held various positions at the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and national resilience. He also served as a cybersecurity policy director for Microsoft and advised on international risk management during the George W. Bush Administration.
With his extensive experience and expertise, Chris Krebs is a sought-after consultant and speaker in the field of cybersecurity. He holds a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.
Book Chris Krebs.
Rich Diviney
- Former Navy SEAL Commander
- Professional Leadership and Human Performance Consultant
- Keynote Speaker and Author
Rich Diviney is a former Navy SEAL commander who revolutionized special operator training. After retiring from the Navy, he became a professional leadership and human performance consultant. He He is now a highly soght-after keynote speaker and leadership workshop leader.
During his 20-year career as a Navy SEAL commander, Rich Diviney developed groundbreaking training methods, including the creation of the first-ever Mind Gym. This innovative program enhanced the cognitive abilities of special operators, enabling them to perform better in high-stress environments.
Currently, Rich Diviney is a leading military keynote speaker that offers insights and actionable programs to enhance peak performance. He is highly regarded for his expertise in these areas.
In addition to his consulting work, Rich Diviney is an accomplished author. His bestselling book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance, offers actionable insights on human performance that have been widely praised.
Book Rich Diviney.
Greg Wooldridge
- Former Blue Angels pilot and 3-time Commander
- Expert in team performance and leadership
- Military keynote speaker on trust, communication, and teamwork
Greg “Boss” Wooldridge is a former Blue Angels pilot and the only 3-time Commander in the history of the Blues. With his extensive experience leading one of the highest-performing teams in human history, Wooldridge has become an expert in team performance and leadership.
During his time with the Blue Angels, Wooldridge pushed the boundaries of performance. He led a team of pilots who mastered the seemingly impossible task of flying safely and steadily 18 apart at 400 miles per hour. He will take you on a journey through his leadership framework, which is founded on trust and clear communication.
As a keynote speaker, Wooldridge shares his methods and framework that can be applied to any challenge, regardless of profession. He emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and teamwork in achieving exceptional growth in both team and personal performance.
Greg Wooldridge’s tenure as the commanding officer of The Blue Angels for three separate tours is an incredible feat. His ability to build teams based on trust and effective communication set him apart. Since his success with the Blues, Wooldridge has been sharing his methods to empower individuals and teams in various industries.
Book Greg “Boss” Wooldridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Keynote Speakers
No, military keynote speakers can be relevant for a wide range of events including corporate conferences, leadership seminars, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Their experiences and lessons can be applied to various industries and professions.
Yes, most military keynote speakers are open to participating in Q&A sessions or panel discussions as it allows for more interaction and engagement with the audience.
Many military keynote speakers are happy to provide autographs or take photos with attendees after their presentation. However, we must confirm this in advance.
Yes, with the rise of virtual events, many military keynote speakers have adapted their presentations to be delivered remotely via video conferencing platforms.
Yes, most military keynote speakers are flexible and can tailor their presentations to meet your specific requirements. It’s important to communicate your expectations and desired outcomes during the booking process.
Looking to Hire Only the Best Military keynote Speakers?
Whether it’s a conference, meeting, or other gathering, event planners should consider including a military keynote speaker in their lineup. The impact that these speakers can have on attendees is profound, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring positive change. With their powerful messages and relatable experiences, military keynote speakers have the ability to transform events and create a truly memorable experience for all who attend. So, when you’re planning your next event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to hire the perfect military keynote speaker for your event.
