Wounded Warrior Tom Deierlein’s Remarkable Story of Grit, Resilience, Service, and Optimism

As a West Point graduate who had completed his required service, Tom Deierlein was well into a successful career in digital advertising when he was called up once again to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, while working to help struggling Iraqi families meet their basic needs, a sniper’s bullet would change his life’s trajectory.  In this Blue Sky conversation, Tom shares his remarkable life story, on that is marked by inspiring grit, resilience, service, and optimism. 

 Chapters:

02:11 Tom Deierlein’s Background 
Tom Deierlein shares insights about his upbringing as the eighth of nine children and his early influences that led him to West Point. He reflects on the values instilled by his parents and his initial motivations for joining the military. 

05:24 Military Service and Leadership Development 
Tom discusses his military training and the leadership development he experienced during his service, emphasizing the structured professional growth within the Army. He explains his transition from active duty to civilian life and the decisions that led him to the reserves.