Dave Pelzer

In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit: Spirit, Humor & Wit. As a child, his resilience, enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. For well over 25 years, Pelzer’s inspirational work has encouraged countless organizations and millions of individuals to recommit their efforts and remain steadfast to their convictions and personal growth.

Pelzer has experienced a truly adventurous extraordinary life. At age 12, Pelzer was rescued and placed in a series of foster homes until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. As a member of the armed forces, Pelzer was hand-picked to midair refuel the then highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. While serving on active duty and maintaining a rigorous flight schedule, Pelzer made time to give of himself. In 1990, Pelzer was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year.

Some of Pelzer’s distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through several prestigious awards, as well as personal commendations from four U.S. Presidents. In 1993, Pelzer was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group including: John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney, and Elvis Presley. In 1994, Pelzer was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World. In 1996, he carried the coveted centennial flame for the Olympic Games. In 2005, Pelzer was the recipient of the National Jefferson Award, which is considered the Pulitzer Prize of public service. Other alumni of this award include Colin Powell, Sandra Day O’Connor, Robert De Niro, and Oprah Winfrey.

Unbeknown to the general public, from 2006 – 2010, while at extreme risk plus using his own time and expense, Pelzer spent weeks at a time visiting the troops in the Middle East and South West Asia, providing counseling and comedic presentations to embedded troops.

For nearly a decade, when not on the road speaking, performing radio presentations, or offering counseling services, Pelzer serves his community as a volunteer Fire Captain. He has served in many explosive fires and floods. For his efforts, Pelzer was twice selected as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Pelzer is the author of eight inspirational books. Dave’s first book, "A Child Called 'It'," was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for a record setting 6 years. His books were on the same Best Sellers List well over 12 years. Pelzer was the first author to have four # 1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Pelzer is a living testament of a self-made man. Pelzer’s unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his “Robin Williams” like wit and sense of humor entertain and encourage all of us to deeply commit to overcome any challenge. Pelzer has literally dedicated his life to helping others . . . to help themselves.