Writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, activist and veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War
Paul Rieckhoff Speaking Video:
Paul Rieckhoff Topics:
- “Chasing Ghosts”: Failures and Facades in Iraq
- The Military-Political Line
- Courage
- Post-Combat Problems
- Perseverance
Paul Rieckhoff Biography:
Paul Rieckhoff is one of the most important young leaders in America. The CEO and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and author of Chasing Ghosts, Rieckhoff is a dynamic, nationally-recognized authority on leadership, team-building, social entrepreneurship, war, the modern military, politics and veterans affairs. A gritty, funny and engaging former high school football coach, Army Infantry Officer and 9/11 First Responder, Rieckhoff gives audiences inspiration, hope and practical life-lessons from the battlefields of Iraq, the halls of Congress and the airwaves of cable TV.
He’s built a world-renowned social impact business that began in his studio apartment with only his personal credit card and a MySpace page. He’s been fearlessly leading America during some of our most important times and created multi-million dollar advertising campaigns and impact partnerships with companies ranging from Google to Southwest Airlines to Uber.
Rieckhoff is a sought-after public speaker and moderator who’s drawn audiences in community’s ranging from The Pentagon to Wall Street to Silicon Valley. He regularly testifies before Congress is a regular on Morning Joe, Fox News and MSNBC and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows ranging from Real Time with Bill Maher to The Colbert Report to Meet The Press to Fox’s The Kelly File.
He’s led IAVA’s groundbreaking efforts to reform the Veterans Affairs Department, pass the New GI Bill, fight veterans suicide and repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, while forging creative partnerships with Lady Gaga, Linkin Park and NASCAR driver Cale Conley. Rieckhoff has produced four documentary films (Warrior Champions, Reserved to Fight, Jerebek and When I Came Home) and acted in The Green Zone starring Matt Damon.
Rieckhoff has personally trained over 200 veteran leaders to be “changemakers” in their communities by getting involved, taking action and making positive change. Rieckhoff’s mantra is “adapt, improvise and overcome” and he and IAVA are showing the world what American ingenuity, leadership and innovation are all about.
In August 2011, Rieckhoff appeared on the cover of TIME magazine. He is an Ashoka Fellow and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Rieckhoff’s honors include: GQ’s “50 Most Powerful People in D.C.”, Esquire magazine’s “America’s Best and Brightest,” Rolling Stone’s “The Quiet Ones: 12 Leaders Who Get Things Done,” Penthouse Magazine’s Annual “Badass List” and The Hill’s “Top Lobbyists 2014: Grassroots.” In 2014, Rieckhoff was awarded a “Teddy Award” by TIME magazine for his political courage in demanding VA reform throughout years of scandal noting, “Paul Rieckhoff of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has been an edgy, controversial figure in recent years, a creative critic of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The revelation of widespread corruption and incompetence in the VA, and the dismissal of Secretary Eric Shinseki, proved the value of Rieckhoff’s persistence. His willingness to take flak for his brothers and sisters in arms merits a Teddy.” Most recently, Task and Purpose named Rieckhoff to its “Mighty 25 Veterans Poised to Make a Difference.”
To request Paul Rieckhoff to speak at your next event, contact:
Robinson Speakers | The Gold Standard For Keynote Speakers
646-504-9849 | info@robinsonspeakers.com
