Keppler

02/26: In Case You Missed It: Watch Author Jeannette Walls on the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson!”

Did you miss The Glass Castle author Jeannette Walls,, on the February 24th episode ofthe Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson?  The #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Glass Castle and Half-Broke Horses, made her first appearance on the late night staple. A favorite of Ferguson, Walls discussed how she translated her life story and family history into the incredible books that have captivated readers for over three years. Watch her Late, Late Show appearance on Keppler On YouTube.

In a decade where memoirs were more popular than ever, Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle stood out from the pack. The book, a moving account of growing up in extreme poverty and a compelling story of overcoming adversity, has been on the New York Times best-seller list for over three years, and was recently named one of Amazon’s “Top 10 Books of the Decade.” Most recently, she released Half-Broke Horses, a best-selling “true-life novel” written from the perspective of her barrier-breaking grandmother.

Engaging and thoughtful, celebrity speaker Jeannette Walls regales audiences with moving stories and anecdotes. As acclaimed a speaker as she is an author, Walls’ warm and inviting speaking style sets her apart from all others. Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing Jeannette Walls to your organization.

02/23: “Flags of Our Fathers” Author James Bradley Commemorates 65 Years Since the Flag-Raising at Iwo Jima

This week marks 65 years since six men raised the American flag over Iwo Jima, an iconic image that today remains the most reproduced photograph in history. For best-selling author James Bradley, the photo is more than the most recognizable image of World War II–it is the story of his father and his family.

After discovering that his father was one of the men raising the flag, James Bradley was determined to find out more. In his #1 New York Times best-seller, Flags of Our Fathers, Bradley reveals a side of history many had never known before, and his book and the critically acclaimed film by Clint Eastwood that followed are moving tributes to the Greatest Generation.

In his inspiring presentations, James Bradley shares the story of the determination and dedication it took to raise the flag, achieving what many thought was an impossible feat.

Achieve the impossible in your own organization. Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing inspirational corporate speaker James Bradley to your next event.

02/16: ABC’s Jonathan Karl Interviews Former Vice President Dick Cheney in Exclusive Interview

The nation was abuzz Sunday after Jonathan Karl’s controversial interview with former Vice President Dick Cheney on ABC’s This Week. Karl, who is being considered for the role of anchor on the acclaimed program, discussed the Obama administration’s approach to terrorism, its strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Cheney’s thoughts on individual criminal acts vs. acts of war.

Watch the interview on Keppler Speakers' YouTube Channel.

Previously reporting for CNN, ABC News’ Senior Congressional Correspondent Jonathan Karl has worked for the network since 2004, covering Congress for World News, Nightline, and Good Morning America. Well known for his extensive experience and knowledge in covering domestic and foreign affairs, Karl discusses current political affairs and the happenings of Capitol Hill with insight that can only come from the journalistic frontlines.

Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing respected journalist and political speaker Jonathan Karl to your next event.

02/08: The End of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Openly Gay Iraq War Veteran Eric Alva Speaks Out

Retired Staff Sergeant Eric Alva was the first American soldier injured in the Iraq War. Hailed as a decorated, American hero, he could only reveal his true self after his retirement, when he was finally able to come out as a gay man. In a commentary exclusively for Keppler Speakers, Alva shares his thoughts on the recent cal to end the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and what it means both for the military and the country as a whole.

This month, for the first time in 16 years, the Senate Armed Services Committee met to discuss the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. As a gay, retired Marine who served for 13 years, both before and after the policy’s inception, I was completely ecstatic upon hearing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates both call for a repeal of the policy.

Allowing qualified gay men and women to serve their country openly and honestly–especially in a time of two wars–is a positive step for the military. Our military needs all the volunteers it can get, and we should not be firing qualified men and women because they are gay.

I am completely confident that the men and women of the United States Armed Forces are professional and dedicated enough to make ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” a smooth process. Just as in 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order to desegregate the troops, we can make this change happen successfully. Year after year, the military has evolved, moving towards greater social justice and treating individuals with dignity and respect as they perform important jobs at the highest levels. Sixty-two years after desegregation, we are faced with a similar situation, and I know we can achieve equally impressive results this time around.

I was the first American service member injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I know what it means to sacrifice for your country. I believe that any patriotic American who wants to give their life for freedom should be able to do so without reservation. We are a nation of men and women who may not always agree with each other, but we are also a nation that must stand by our Founding Fathers’ call for “liberty and justice for ALL.”

It is time to make that call real and true. It is time to give gays and lesbians the right to serve openly in our Armed Forces. 

Inspirational speaker Eric Alva has been a leading voice in ending the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Sharing his story of life as a gay man in the military, he is a moving voice for true equality. Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing his timely presentation to your next event.