Veteran Author, Advocate Brian L. Slade to Be Guest Speaker At 2023 Air Force Marathon

July 6, 2023

WRIGHT- PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Retired Lt. Col. Brian L. Slade, an author, entrepreneur, and 25-year Army and Air Force veteran, will be the guest speaker at the 2023 Air Force Marathon, scheduled for Sept. 15-16.

“We are very excited to welcome Brian L. Slade this year,” said Rachael Ferguson, director of the Air Force Marathon. “He has a powerful story and serves as an inspiration to all, whether military or civilian. We hope the whole community will come out to hear him speak and learn from his story.”

As an Army attack helicopter pilot, Slade deployed overseas in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and 14 Air Medals over the course of his career. He wrapped up his service as a combat search and rescue pilot with the Air Force.

Since retiring from the military, Slade has become an advocate for veterans dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has published a memoir based on his own experiences in combat, entitled Cleared Hot: Lessons Learned About Life, Love, and Leadership While Flying the Apache Gunship in Afghanistan and Why I Believe a Prepared Mind Can Help Minimize PTSD.

“I am incredibly thrilled and honored to be a part of the Air Force Marathon as a keynote speaker,” said Slade. “It fills me with joy to engage with my fellow brothers and sisters in arms, united by a common purpose. Participating in events like a marathon fosters a remarkable sense of camaraderie among us. Moreover, the act of sharing our stories allows us to gain valuable insights and personal growth from each other’s experiences. Together, let us continue to forge bonds and create lasting connections that strengthen our community.”

During the marathon weekend, Slade will speak at the gourmet pasta dinner at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force as well as the “Star Runners” reception, a celebration for those who have run the marathon distance for all 27 years, both held on Friday, Sept. 15. He will also participate in a live interview on the Air Force Marathon’s Facebook page that day.

The Air Force Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Health & Fitness Expo, held at Wright State University’s Nutter Center, is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15.

For a full schedule of events, go to www.usafmarathon.com/schedule-of-events.