Mark Kelly’s emotional two-day White House whirlwind culminates with beaming pride during wife Gabrielle Giffords’s 90-second standing ovation at President Obama’s 2012 State of the Union.  Toss in the fact that he was seated next to First Lady Michelle Obama, Captain Mark Kelly had a stellar night.

Just one day prior, Kelly was with his wife as she bid farewell to her colleagues in Congress.  Not a dry eye in the House, Nancy Pelosi’s tearful tribute to Giffords’ service also included Mark Kelly: “We thank Commander Mark Kelly, a hero in his own right, as an astronaut, and a commander of a mission. But also, our personal hero for the care and love that he has given to Gabby over this past year and before that, to help make her the person that she is.”  Pelosi went on to describe Giffords as “the brightest star among us, the brightest star Congress has ever seen.”  For a man whose life work takes him closer to the stars than anyone, that analogy must have really hit home.

Of course, Mark Kelly has been a revered American for many years.  A decorated U.S. Navy Captain and commander of Space Shuttle Endeavour, Kelly personifies the spirit and stamina it takes to be a leader.  And those same courageous values made him the heart and soul behind his wife’s miraculous recovery from the grave injuries of an attempted assassination.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Kelly, whose life is adorned with accomplishment and strengthened by struggle,  is a true template for inspiration and motivation.  Mark Kelly reminds audiences about the resiliency of the human spirit and guides them to accomplish their own missions – no matter what life has in store for them along way.

Contact Keppler Speakers to bring Captain Mark Kelly to your campus.