Retired Captain Jerry Coffee is an inspiring example of the power of the human spirit to survive and triumph over the most adverse circumstances. As a Navy pilot flying reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam, his plane was downed by enemy fire. He parachuted safely but was captured immediately and spent the next seven years as a POW in the communist prisons of Hanoi.

After his return, he earned a Masters Degree in political science from the University of California at Berkely; attended the prestigious National Defense University in Washington DC, studying all aspects of national security; and commanded his own aircraft squadron.

He is a frequent talk radio and television show guest, having been on Larry King Live twice and CNN numerous times. He serves as military expert for Hawaii's NBC affiliate station. His opinion pieces have been published in various top publications, such as the Dallas Morning News, USA Today, and Parade magazine.

Jerry draws not only from the insights derived from that incredible experience, but also from the perspective of his unique experiences since then. 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. Voted one of America's Top Ten Speakers by Successful Meetings magazine, Captain Coffee will reaffirm your faith in the invincibility of the human spirit.

• Beyond Survival
• A Time For Heroes