November 11th is Veterans Day. It’s an important day of remembrance, patriotism, and a celebration of those who sacrificed for their country. On this day, we not only commemorate the ending of World War 1 but also pay respect to all the American veterans who served in wars.

Top Veterans Day Speakers 

We’ve got a list of 8 excellent military speakers who can inspire your team to overcome any obstacle and help them commemorate the importance of this day. Whether it’s a former Navy SEAL turned resilience coach like Stephen Drum or America's first black female combat pilot, Vernice Armour, we have loads of great Navy, Army, and Air Force speakers to choose from. Here are the verified best military speakers to book for Veterans Day:

Stephen Drum 

Not only is Stephen Drum a combat-tested Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of experience, he is also the co-developer of the new ‘Warrior Toughness’ training for the U.S. Navy. Stephen is an expert on all things resilience and highlights just how challenging serving in the U.S. Navy can be. Stephen was just booked by the military ERG of a major experience management company.

⮕ Learn more and book Stephen Drum at your team event.

Thomas Kolditz 

Brigadier General (Ret.) Tom Kolditz is a leadership expert. He led the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Leadership at West Point for 12 years and was named Professor Emeritus when he retired. In 2017, he received the Distinguished Service Medal, the United State Army’s highest award for service.

⮕ Learn more and book Thomas Kolditz at your team event.

Anthony Bourke

CEO and founder of Mach 2 Consulting Antony Bourke is a former F-16 fighter pilot with over 2,700 hours of flight time. Combining his military expertise with extensive business knowledge, he can draw parallels between the two and provide valuable insights for organisations. 

⮕ Learn more and book Anthony Bourke at your team event.

Alden Mills 

Hailing from a small farm in Massachusetts, Alden Mills has lived a thrilling life — for example, pivoting from a former Navy SEAL Platoon Commander to a persistence coach. Alden’s experiences will inspire and drive your team through teaching the power of care in leadership. 

⮕ Learn more and book Alden Mills to speak at your team event.

Caleb Campbell 

A PepTalk favourite, after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 2008, Caleb Campbell was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He was then drafted in the 2008 NFL draft, turning his life upside down and leading him to fight the battles from which he draws lessons today. 

⮕ Learn more and book Caleb Campbell at your team event.

Veterans Day for Women

Women Veterans Recognition Day on June 12 is a celebration of the contributions and sacrifices of America’s military women, past and present. This day marks the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, passed in 1948, a move of gender equality which officially allowed women to serve as permanent members of the U.S. armed forces. Today, women are represented across all military fields—from logistics and intelligence to munitions and combat roles. They’re a vital part of the U.S. military, helping to build a force that’s more skilled, agile, and resilient than ever before.

» READ MORE: PepTalk's female empowerment speakers

Vernice 'FlyGirl' Armour

Having served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine, Vernice is a highly sought-after speaker. She was America's first black female combat pilot and worked as a Diversity Liaison Officer at the Pentagon for Marine Corps Headquarters. She undoubtedly empowers her audiences, and her story is a testament to great leadership and resilience. 

⮕ Learn more and book Vernice Armour to speak at your team event.

Yasmine Cheyenne

Now an advocate for mental health and diversity, Yasmine Cheyenne previously served as an Air Force JAG officer and has worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Having worked as a Victim Advocate in the military, she is passionate about helping others heal from trauma.

⮕ Learn more and book Yasmine Cheyenne for your Veterans Day event.

Lee Woodruff

After her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq, Lee Woodruff took on the role of caregiver to her husband. Lee has gone on to write books and articles about her family's experience, discussing resilience and caregiving while providing humour and warmth to inspire her readers and listeners. Check out her podcast episode on the Optimism Insitute, hosted by speaker Bill Burke.

⮕ Learn more and book Lee Woodruff for your next team event.

Veterans Day Quotes

If you need some more inspiration for your Veterans Day event, have a look at these quotes from our military keynote speakers:

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"Imagine that you are surrounded by people who will not let you fail. When you see an obstacle, they see an opportunity. When you are scared, they turn to support you. When you are tired, they work tirelessly. When you are uncertain, they reassure you. In short, they make you feel unstoppable."
— Alden Mills, Unstoppable Teams: The Four Essential Actions of High-Performance Leadership

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"Acknowledge the obstacles, don’t give them power. Find the solution. Focus on success."
— Vernice Armour, episode 155 Flip Your Script

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What to read next:

💡 Would you like to mark Veterans Day with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

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