Veteran and Military Speakers for Veterans Day 2026

Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday November 11th, and it's one of the most popular dates of the year to book a veteran speaker. Veteran and military speakers bring experience and perspective to cultural observances, leadership events and military or veteran employee resource groups (ERGs), with lessons on resilience, leadership and mental health that land with any audience. In the UK, Remembrance Sunday falls on November 8th in 2026, with Armistice Day on November 11th.

Who are the best veteran speakers?

The best veteran speakers combine real military experience with a message that translates to civilian workplaces, whether that's leadership under pressure, the transition to a new career or mental health. These five military speakers are among the most booked on the PepTalk roster for Veterans Day and ERG events.

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine and later worked as a Diversity Liaison Officer at the Pentagon for Marine Corps Headquarters. She now helps organisations build resilience, teamwork and high-performing cultures, and her book Zero to Breakthrough sets out a seven-step method for achieving meaningful goals. Her energy unites a room.

PepTalk Fact: Vernice is America's first Black female combat pilot ✈️

Learn more and book Vernice FlyGirl Armour →

Stephen Drum

Stephen Drum is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of service, including training and leading special operations teams in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since retiring in 2019 he has turned that experience into practical frameworks for leaders on resilience, calm decision-making and performance under pressure, making him a strong choice for ERG workshops and leadership sessions.

PepTalk Fact: Stephen co-developed the US Navy's Warrior Toughness training programme 🎯

Learn more and book Stephen Drum →

Anthony "AB" Bourke

Anthony "AB" Bourke is a former F-16 fighter pilot with more than 2,700 hours of flight time who went on to a successful business career, including as CEO and president of management training company Afterburner Inc. and founder of Mach 2 Consulting. His talks draw parallels between fighter pilot thinking and business execution, which suits audiences interested in the transition from military to civilian careers.

PepTalk Fact: AB helped grow a California start-up's revenue from $500,000 to $65 million in three years 📈

Learn more and book Anthony AB Bourke →

Caleb Campbell

Caleb Campbell graduated from West Point in 2008 and was commissioned as an officer in the US Army, the same year he was selected in the NFL Draft. He now speaks on authentic leadership, resilience and emotional wellbeing, drawing on his own mental health journey, which makes him a powerful choice for veteran mental health events.

PepTalk Fact: Caleb was the first player permitted to serve in the Army and play in the NFL at the same time under a new Department of Defense policy 🏈

Learn more and book Caleb Campbell →

Yasmine Cheyenne

Yasmine Cheyenne served as an Air Force JAG officer and worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs before becoming a mental health advocate and self-healing coach. She helps teams build healthier boundaries and better balance, and has delivered training for organisations including ABC, Facebook and Skillshare.

PepTalk Fact: Yasmine hosts The Sugar Jar Podcast and has been featured on The Today Show 🎙️

Learn more and book Yasmine Cheyenne →

Why book a veteran speaker for a military ERG?

A military or veteran ERG is a voluntary, employee-led group that creates a supportive environment for veterans and service members within an organisation, focusing on networking, advocacy, community and career development. A veteran speaker gives the group a focal point and brings real value:

• Inspiring stories. First-hand accounts of military service and the move into civilian life motivate ERG members.
• Mental health awareness. Veteran speakers can talk openly about mental health challenges common among veterans and encourage people to seek support. Explore PepTalk's mental health speakers.
• Career insight. Speakers who have made the transition to civilian careers share practical advice on the job market and career progression.
• Community building. A shared event strengthens camaraderie among ERG members.
• Education and awareness. Veteran speakers help the wider organisation understand the challenges and strengths veterans bring, supporting a more inclusive culture.
• Networking. A high-profile speaker draws veterans and allies from across the business together.

Which military dates suit a veteran speaker?

The most popular military dates for a veteran speaker are Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, but there are opportunities throughout the year:

• Veterans Day, November 11th: Honours everyone who has served in the US Armed Forces. A veteran speaker can share personal experience and what military service means.
• Remembrance Sunday (UK), second Sunday in November: November 8th in 2026, a moment for UK organisations to reflect on service and sacrifice.
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7th: A speaker can provide historical context and honour those who served in World War II.
• Military Appreciation Month, May: A whole month recognising the US Armed Forces.
• Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May: May 15th in 2027, paying tribute to those currently serving.
• Memorial Day, last Monday in May: May 31st in 2027, remembering those who died in service.
• Flag Day, June 14th, and Independence Day, July 4th: Patriotic celebrations where stories of service add depth.
• Purple Heart Day, August 7th: Honouring those wounded or killed in service.
• Patriot Day, September 11th: Remembering the victims of 9/11 and the role of first responders and the military.

Which mental health events suit a veteran speaker?

Veteran speakers bring an important perspective to mental health events, particularly on issues common in the military community such as PTSD, depression and anxiety. Caleb Campbell and Yasmine Cheyenne are both strong choices for these sessions.

• PTSD Awareness Day, June 27th: A veteran speaker can share first-hand insight into coping strategies and the importance of seeking help.
• National Suicide Prevention Week, the week around September 10th: A veteran speaker can address mental health and suicide prevention in the military community with care.
• World Mental Health Day, October 10th: A global moment to talk about mental health and the importance of support services.
• International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, the Saturday before US Thanksgiving: A speaker can talk about loss and recovery for those affected.
• Mental Health Awareness Month, May: Veteran speakers can highlight the mental health challenges service members and veterans face.

What other events suit a veteran speaker?

• ERG kick-off meetings: Welcome new members and set the tone for the year.
• Workshops and seminars: Sessions on career development, mental health and leadership. Stephen Drum is a strong choice here.
• Panel discussions: Several veterans discussing service and the transition to civilian life.
• Community outreach: Service projects or partnerships with veteran organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Veterans Day 2026?

Veterans Day 2026 is on Wednesday November 11th. It falls on November 11th every year, the anniversary of the 1918 armistice, and honours everyone who has served in the US Armed Forces.

What does a veteran speaker talk about?

A veteran speaker usually talks about leadership under pressure, resilience, teamwork and the transition from military to civilian life. Many also speak about mental health, drawing on their own experience to encourage people to seek support.

How do I book a veteran speaker for Veterans Day?

To book a veteran speaker for Veterans Day, send PepTalk your date, audience, format and what you'd like the session to achieve. November is busy for military speakers, so get in touch as early as you can. Send us a message to start.

💡 Would you like to mark Veterans Day or any of these events with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we'll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Send us a message. Remember, it's always a good time to get a PepTalk!