In April 2004, Melissa Stockwell became the first U.S. woman to lose a limb in active combat when an IED exploded during her daily convoy in Baghdad, Iraq. She has since gone on to become a two-time Paralympian, culminating in a bronze medal in Paratriathlon at Rio 2016. And it all started with a choice.
At first glance, Melissa Stockwell may appear to be the quintessential Mid-western All-American girl, but she is far more. She is an American war hero who has triumphed over personal tragedy to achieve greatness and World Champion status, and she has dedicated her life to chasing remarkable accomplishments while giving back to others, particularly those who face challenges similar to hers.
In 2002, Melissa graduated from the University of Colorado and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. In March 2004, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. Just three weeks later, a blast from a roadside bomb struck Melissa’s Humvee, causing the loss of her left leg above the knee. After enduring numerous infections and surgeries, Melissa was medically retired from the Army. She is the first female soldier ever to lose a limb in active combat and has been awarded both The Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
Following her accident, sport became the road to recovery for Melissa. In April of 2008, she became the first Iraqi War Veteran to qualify for the Beijing Paralympics. She competed in three swimming events and was honored by her fellow Team USA athletes to be selected to carry the American flag in the closing ceremony. After Beijing, Melissa turned to the sport of Paratriathlon and is now a three-time World Champion. She was named USA Triathlon’s female Paratriathlete of the Year for two consecutive years and was twice nominated for an ESPY award.
On September 11, 2016, at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Melissa raced in honor of her fellow soldiers and their families who had sacrificed to serve and protect America. After a grueling race, the day ended on the podium as the newly crowned Paralympic Bronze Medalist.
Transform chaos into strategic success with a confident mindset—insights from mindset keynote speaker Andrew Busch.
Read MoreLove is more than romance—it’s about communication, growth, and connection. Discover how they drive success in your relationships and in life.
Read MoreFueling the Fire of Youth Empowerment Looking for the best motivational speakers for youth empowerment? We've got some great keynote speakers for you. In a world where young people face unprecedented challenges—social media pressures, economic...
Read MoreRedefining Wealth Beyond Numbers: The Role of Top Financial Speakers In a world where the tumultuous tides of economic change challenge our every anchor, understanding finance transcends mere balance sheets and stock portfolios. It becomes a dance—a rhythm...
Read MoreBuild a loyal team that works together with insights from leadership expert Dennis Snow on customer experience.
Read MoreHow embracing vulnerability leads to personal and professional growth, as leadership expert Rashmi Airan shares insights on building trust and resilience.
Read MoreWe’ll connect so we understand your needs to curate a selection of great speakers.
We’ll manage all the details so you will be confident with your choice.
Inform & educate your participants to ideas that transform their work & personal life.
In today’s volatile environment, how can leaders transform chaos into a strategic advantage? The answer...
Read MoreValentine’s Day isn’t just about love, chocolates and flowers—it’s about the relationships that define our...
Read MoreFueling the Fire of Youth Empowerment Looking for the best motivational speakers for youth empowerment?...
Read MoreRedefining Wealth Beyond Numbers: The Role of Top Financial Speakers In a world where the...
Read MoreWhat if your team’s service could be as magical as Disney’s, where employees feel valued...
Read MoreStruggling to create an open, transparent atmosphere within your teams? Trust might not be the...
Read More