A native of Modesto, CA, Captain Gerald Coffee joined the Navy in 1957 after his graduation from UCLA. He received his Navy wings in 1959, and served his country as a naval officer for 28 years. For over seven of those years (1966 to 1973) one fourth of his career, he served as a prisoner of war in the communist prisons of North Vietnam. After his return, he earned a Masters Degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley, attended the prestigious National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and commanded his own aircraft squadron.

Since his retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1985, Captain Coffee has inspired thousands of people from the speaking platform, addressing over sixty audiences each year with his timeless messages, "Beyond Survival" and "A Time For Heroes." Through a national survey, corporate and association meeting planners selected Captain Coffee as one of America's top ten speakers.

His military decorations include the Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 13 stars. He is the recipient of the George Washington Honor Medal presented by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, and the National Speakers Association's highest award for excellence in speaking. He is a highly respected observer and commentator on current political, economic, and social issues who sees most problems in terms of opportunities yet to be seized by heroic leadership yet to emerge. His first book, Beyond Survival, was featured in condensed version in Reader's Digest, Guideposts magazine, and in audio cassette by Nightingale-Conant.

As a returned Prisoner of War, Captain Coffee's message focuses not upon the horrors of his seven year incarceration, but upon the positive lessons learned by himself and other Americans held captive. His faith - in himself, his fellow man, his country, and his God - was the key to his survival, and can be for all; each day, today and tomorrow. In using his incredible experiences as a vehicle, Captain Coffee leads his audience through laughter and through tears, and ultimately to the affirmation that we are all so much stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for, and we each have the potential to survive any ordeal, overcome any obstacle, achieve any goal. His style is genuine, warm, and witty; his message unforgettable.

• Time for Heroes
• Embracing the Opportunity of Change
• Overcoming Adversity: Beyond Survival
• Teamwork: Partnerships to Win
• Leadership: Empowering & Inspiring Others