What does it mean to move forward when every instinct says to retreat? In this powerful keynote, Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha shares what it takes to lead under extreme pressure and rise through adversity. Based on his firsthand account of the harrowing 14-hour Battle of Kamdesh—one of the deadliest engagements of the Afghan War—and his post-military journey, SSG Romesha embodies what it means to persevere under pressure and lead with purpose.
Drawing from his New York Times bestselling book Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor and his portrayal in the Netflix series Medal of Honor, SSG Romesha will challenge attendees to reflect on how they face adversity in their own lives and careers. His story also inspired the critically acclaimed film The Outpost, starring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom. Through SSG Romesha’s actions—risking everything to protect others, leading from the front even while wounded, and rebuilding purpose after the battlefield—we gain deep insight into how courage, humility, and determination fuel forward motion, even in the darkest moments.
Whether you’re leading a team, navigating personal trials, or mentoring the next generation, SSG Romesha will inspire you to continue moving forward—with integrity, focus, and the strength drawn from within.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the principles of true resilience and purposeful leadership
- Apply lessons from high-pressure decision-making to business and life
- Explore mentorship as a tool for legacy and growth
- Reflect on how to remain mission-focused during moments of adversity
Presenter:
Clinton “Clint” Romesha
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant & Medal of Honor Recipient
The Battle of Kamdesh stands as one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Afghan War, and Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha (known as “Ro” by his comrades) is the author of Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor and was featured in the Netflix documentary series Medal of Honor (Season 1, Episode 2). The battle lasted 14 hours and cost eight American lives, while the Taliban suffered an estimated 150 killed. Twenty-seven more American warriors were wounded.
SSG Romesha deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop during combat operations at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan on October 3, 2009.
That morning, SSG Romesha and his comrades awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, unleashing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars, and small arms. Under intense enemy fire, he moved uncovered to conduct reconnaissance and seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with an assistant gunner.
SSG Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, was wounded when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the generator he was using for cover. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight and, with additional support, assembled more soldiers to reengage. He then mobilized a five-man team and returned to the fight with a sniper rifle. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to enemy fire to engage and eliminate multiple targets, including three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s perimeter.
As the assault intensified, SSG Romesha identified the enemy’s main point of attack and directed air support that destroyed over 30 enemy fighters. Upon learning that seriously injured soldiers were trapped at a distant position, he provided covering fire to help them reach safety. Later, his team pushed forward 100 meters under fire to recover the bodies of fallen comrades and prevent them from being taken by the enemy. His actions were critical to Bravo Troop’s ability to regroup and mount a counterattack, ultimately securing Combat Outpost Keating.
Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
After separating from the Army in January 2011, SSG Romesha relocated to North Dakota, where he worked in the Bakken Oil Fields—first as a general laborer and later as a Field Safety Specialist. On February 11, 2013, he received the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony.
In 2014, he began work on Red Platoon, which was released in 2016 and became a New York Times bestseller. Today, SSG Romesha dedicates his time to supporting veteran initiatives. He is involved with Sportsmen for Warriors, serves on the Heroes Linked Foundation Board of Advisors, the Patriot Project Board of Directors, and is an Emeritus Board Member of the American Warrior Partnership.
He travels the country participating in veteran and youth outreach, motivational speaking, and enjoys spending time with his wife Kelli and their six children.