I have addressed various groups from businesses, churches, sports teams, state governments, civic organizations, VFW and ROTC. I try to tailor my presentations to directly apply and benefit the audience. Here are some examples:
- Valley Leadership Academy, Huntsville, AL – spoke to 6th-12th graders on our missions in life.
- Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run, Athens, AL – Why we should never forget the attacks and what freedom meant to my little brother.
- Springville Rotary Club, Springville, AL – introduced them to The Mark Forester Foundation and what our small non-profit does.
- Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home Memorial Day Program, 2022, Lodi, CA – the constitution is a miracle… it won’t be saved in Washington but by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom.
- Tennessee Valley Air Force Association Luncheon
- Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Utah State Conference 2020, Camp Williams, UT – shared the unique next-of-kin notification we received from the AF Special Tactics. Highlighted Mark’s standards, consistency in beliefs, drive and the resiliency he showed throughout his life, including his time deployed.
- VFW Jimmie Connors Post 6311, Manteca, CA – shared the details of Mark’s final battle and how he got the Silver Star. Showed them the flag he had tucked around his chest plate with the bullet fragment still burned into the nylon. Encouraged them to be leaders and warned about the loneliness of moral leadership, as Chris felt.
- First United Methodist Church Veteran’s Day Programs, Haleyville, AL – addressed local Army National Guard Signal Battalion and citizens of city to show how the city supported our family during the period from Mark’s death to his Angel Flight arrival to the funeral and burial. Introduced them to their hometown hero and how he prepared for the military and died serving others.
- State of Utah Military Affairs Committee, Salt Lake City – introduced them to Mark and other warriors who have fought for our freedoms. Some of these men I discussed were killed, others injured, and some are still taking the fight to the enemy. I wanted them to understand the type of men and women we have protecting us. Showed Mark’s personal helmet camera footage from a battle down range in June 2010.
- Cornerstone Church of God, Red Bay, AL – Focused on why Mark joined the military—because he felt a calling from God to fight terrorists. It was his mission and he fulfilled it. Stressed the importance of being consistent in our beliefs by using “… ye shall know them by their fruits.”
- Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, UT – introduced them to Mark and other warriors who have fought for our freedoms. Some of these men I discussed were killed, and some are still taking the fight to the enemy. Described how my family and I were notified of Mark’s death and how important it was to have Mark’s teammates and leaders delivering that news. Thanked them for their service.
- Zion’s Bank and Salt Lake Chamber, Salt Lake City – introduced them to Mark and other warriors who have found for our freedoms. Some of these men I discussed were killed, and some are still taking the fight to the enemy, struggling with PTSD and TBI. I wanted them to understand the type of men and women we have protecting us. Showed Mark’s personal helmet camera footage from a battle down range in June 2010.
- Civitan Blue Star Dinner, Arley, AL – highlighted how Mark earned the Bronze Star w/ Valor and the Silver Star.
- Tennessee Smokies baseball team, Knoxville, TN – thanked them for their support of Mark’s foundation by holding an auction and raising $2500. Shared how Mark overcame physical weaknesses as a teenager to become physically and mentally strong with a determination to meet his goals and destroy the enemy.
- Welcome Home Heroes Foundation Memorial Day Weekend, Manteca, CA – shared that Mark was a full-time missionary in that area 10 years prior. He was serving the people of Oakland then, and serving all of us when he was killed. It was while serving a mission that 9/11 happened and he felt a burning desire to serve our country.
- Mindshare Technologies Best Practices Conference, Park City, UT – adapted their five pillars of Red Shoes living to Mark’s life and service: Awareness, Gratitude, Everyone has a story, Respect, and Put yourself out there. Introduced them to Mark’s biography, and showed clips from “Coming Home” and “Eye Witness War”. Was presented their 2013 Red Shoes Living award.
- University of Alabama Campus Veterans Assoc. Dinner and Veterans Day Programs, Tuscaloosa, AL – focused on Mark’s preparation for the military and how he decided on combat controller in the Air Force. Why Mark was committed to excellence, and why he sets a standard for them to follow in their job and personal life.
- Brigham Young University Air Force ROTC, Provo, UT – described how my family and I were notified of Mark’s death and how important it was to have Mark’s teammates and leaders delivering that news. Shared examples from Mark’s life how he was consistent in his behavior and how he had high standards, but was a true friend to those who didn’t have the same morals as he. Thanked them for being willing to serve our great country.
