On October 24, 2024, the Richard Nixon Foundation hosted Congressman Mike Waltz in the latest installment of its civics-focused Distinguished Speaker Series. The first Green Beret elected to U.S. Congress, Congressman Waltz shared lessons from his newly released-book, Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret.

Congressman Waltz quickly learned how his combat experience in the mountains of Afghanistan is useful everyday as he represents his constituents in Washington, DC. In his book he shares how applying attributes honed in military service such as restraint, loyalty, resilience can help everyone with the challenges they face. Waltz believes these lessons are especially important to share today since currently less than one percent of Americans serve in the military. As an advocate of national service for all young people, Waltz shares how volunteer work can promote national unity through shared experiences that teach leadership, discipline and teamwork.

Watch here: