Gerald Coffee

Gerald Coffee's Biography

Retired Navy Captain Gerald Coffee was shot down while flying combat missions over North Vietnam. Much of his 7 years, 9 days as a P.O.W. was in solitary confinement. His celebrated keynote message, Beyond Survival – inspires audiences worldwide with a message of hope, faith, and the invincibility of the human spirit.
In his presentation, unique and universal, Captain Gerald Coffee focuses upon leadership under stress, change and uncertainty, teamwork and loyalty to the organization, and communication; all personalized with inspiration and humor to the goals of any meeting. His is not a story of Vietnam, but a story of human survival and renewal.
Jerry draws not only from the insights derived from that incredible experience, but also from the perspective of his unique experiences since then. A masters degree in political science from Cal-Berkeley, his studies at the prestigious National Defence University in Washing, DC, his Navy command and staff assignments, his sponsorship of literary competition for America's youth, his continuing interaction within hundreds of corporations and association. He is a highly respected observer and commentator on current political, economic, and social issues and sees most in terms of opportunities yet to be seized by heroic leadership yet to emerge.
Drawing from his POW experience from capture to ultimate release, Captain Gerald Coffee cites faith - in himself, his comrades and family, his country, and his God - as the key to turning an unbelievably difficult and potentially devastating experience into an opportunity for personal growth and triumph. With empathy and humour he shares a truly uplifting message. He plants the seeds of belief that actually empower each of us to survive any ordeal, overcome any obstacle, and achieve any goal.
Drawing both from his own "hero's journey" and from essays written by America's youth on their own "living heroes", Captain Coffee puts us each in touch with our own past "hero's journey" which perhaps had not been recognised as such. He enables us to search beneath our own human frailties and imperfections to discover and honour the hero within each of us. He then challenges us to make heroic decisions and choices often - and sometimes desperately - needed in our own personal and professional lives.His highly acclaimed book, BEYOND SURVIVAL, is considered by many the best ever written on the Vietnam War POW experience and considered one of America’s top 10 speakers.