Craig spent more than 40 years in and around the military with 17 of those years as an Army General Officer or Marine Corps Senior Executive. Along the way, he picked up dozens of lessons on leadership and life—both good and bad. Hear him convey these in a compelling, inspirational, and sometimes very personal way.
Present at the Pentagon on 9/11, Craig spent the next two days helping first responders at the crash site. Returning to Hawaii three days later, he led the initiative to secure the state, an effort that received national recognition. Hear his insights into the challenges of responding to a disaster of this scale and learn more about the intended targets in Washington D.C. and the breakdown in intelligence that led to the attack.
Craig was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1973, two years prior to the official end of the Vietnam War. His near-continuous association with the military from then until 2019 touched every service: Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy. Hear his reflections on that roller-coaster journey, and how the Services differ culturally.
With more than a dozen years in the Pacific as a senior leader, Craig had a front row seat to China’s bullying of its neighbors. This presentation explores what is happening: geopolitically, militarily, and economically as China expands its sphere of influence. Learn about the strategic importance of the Malacca Strait, the South China Sea, the exploding growth of China's military, and their encroachment on the "second island chain" --• where the U.S. begins its day: in Guam.
Many famous (and a few infamous) cadets attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Listen to Craig reflect on some of the “lesser-known facts” about these military luminaries, stretching back to the Civil War. Interesting, educational, and fun – even if you’re not a military buff – you’ll not regret hearing this presentation. Guaranteed!
Tom Brokaw called the heroes who fought World War II “The Greatest Generation,” but their success would not have been possible without the historic mobilization of American industry. From a war-weary, isolationist country coming out of the Great Depression, hear how the buildup began – 18 months before Pearl Harbor – then sustained throughout the war, not just for American forces, but for all of the allies. Hear how the “Arsenal of Democracy” won World War II.
Craig B. Whelden is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational Leadership in Challenging Times, 9/11: A Personal Account, Evolution of the U.S. Military from Vietnam to Today, Implications of a Rising China, West Point Trivia and Arsenal of Democracy. The estimated speaking fee range to book Craig B. Whelden for your event is $5,000 - $10,000. Craig B. Whelden generally travels from Bluffton, SC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mykel Hawke, Erik Therwanger, Eric Maddox, Sandra Stosz and Jason Redman. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Craig B. Whelden for an upcoming live or virtual event.
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.