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, 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 her own. 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 to ever loose a limb in active combat. Following her military career, athletics become a way of life for Melissa. In April of 2008, she became the first Iraqi War Veteran to qualify for the 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 ceremonies. After Beijing, Melissa turned to the sport of Paratriathlon and is now a three-time World Champion. She was named USAT's female Paratriathlete of the Year for two consecutive years and was twice nominated for an ESPY award. In 2016, she won the bronze medal in triathlon at the Paralympic Games in Rio. She is an experienced motivational speaker, and has spoken for numerous Fortune 500 including BP, Accenture, The Hartford, Deloitte, Microsoft and many others. Melissa has been featured in countless media outlets including People, Sports Illustrated, The Chicago Tribune and a Triathlon Magazine cover story. She was also featured in the documentary 'From Baghdad to Beijing' which chronicled Melissa and 3 other wounded warriors' journey from the Roads of Baghdad to the Paralympics Games. Melissa is proud to have served her country as a member first of The U.S. Army and now as part of Team USA.
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, 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 her own. 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 to ever loose a limb in active combat. Following her military career, athletics become a way of life for Melissa. In April of 2008, she became the first Iraqi War Veteran to qualify for the 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 ceremonies. After Beijing, Melissa turned to the sport of Paratriathlon and is now a three-time World Champion. She was named USAT's female Paratriathlete of the Year for two consecutive years and was twice nominated for an ESPY award. In 2016, she won the bronze medal in triathlon at the Paralympic Games in Rio. She is an experienced motivational speaker, and has spoken for numerous Fortune 500 including BP, Accenture, The Hartford, Deloitte, Microsoft and many others. Melissa has been featured in countless media outlets including People, Sports Illustrated, The Chicago Tribune and a Triathlon Magazine cover story. She was also featured in the documentary 'From Baghdad to Beijing' which chronicled Melissa and 3 other wounded warriors' journey from the Roads of Baghdad to the Paralympics Games. Melissa is proud to have served her country as a member first of The U.S. Army and now as part of Team USA.
BAGHDAD TO BEIJING AND BEYOND
Description:
Hear and reflect on an inspiring message of perseverance and maintaining perspective in leadership and in life from of an American hero who has triumphed over personal tragedy to achieve greatness, World Champion status, and who has dedicated her life to chasing remarkable accomplishments while giving back to others, particularly those who face challenges similar to her own. Melissa Stockwell proudly wore the uniform of the United...
7 recommend Melissa
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Procter & Gamble
On-Site
G.M.T., Procter & Gamble
Nearly every ALA Convention attendee made it a point to share that your speech was the highlight of the entire week. All were inspired by your story and the courage and determination you have demonstrated as the life of Melissa 2.0 unfolds. Every Speaker for the remainder of the Convention referenced your Speech. Honestly, Melissa, folks simply couldn't stop raving about you and P&G benefited by association. Personally, it was an absolute honor and pleasure to meet you. I had high expectations…..you exceeded mine as both a Speaker and an Individual. The quality (intellect, poise, humor) in which you conduct yourself is very impressive Melissa.
Chobani
On-Site
P.M., CMO, Chobani
We were so happy to have Melissa speak at our Sales and Marketing Offsite. There was not a dry eye in the audience and she left us all feeling inspired, motivated and incredibly proud to have her on our team.
Kids Rank
On-Site
K.L., Founder and Creator, Kids Rank
Melissa, you forced us to take stock of how we view our own lives with your TEDxVail Talk, "Choose Your Story." We laughed when you flipped your leg completely around to show off your sweet new dance move. You stand on one leg with more courage and grace than many of us do on two. You moved hundreds to tears in the audience. Thanks, Melissa, for your powerful idea! You entice us all to choose life stories worth repeating.
School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham
On-Site
H.P.J., Dean and Professor, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Melissa's story and message to our health professional graduates was inspiring, challenging and encouraged each of us to live bold and full lives. It moved, not only our graduates, but the 1600 family members and friends in attendance. It was the first time in my 25 years of academics to see an entire audience spontaneously rise to give a commencement speaker a standing ovation…and that ovation was well-deserved.
Global Health Sector, SRA International, Inc.
On-Site
A.D., Consumer Reviewer Administrator, Global Health Sector, SRA International, Inc.
Thank you again for being our keynote speaker. The sharing of your experience gave all present, a new heightened sense of our mission. You truly delivered a 'gold- medal' message that set a can- do, must- do direction. Thank you.
Century College
On-Site
N.L., Director of Community Relations and Outreach, Century College
Melissa Stockwell tells an American story that is all about inspiration and not at all about self-pity. I have seen her bring a whole roomful of legislators to tears with her straight talk and sincere patriotism.
On-Site
C.B.
Melissa's story inspires and drives home an important message fitting for any audience: success is driven by focusing on what you do have as opposed to what you don't. What Melissa has already accomplished in her life is remarkable and it is clear her best is yet to come.
Certifications & Awards
