Keynote Speakers – VAREP National Convention

ROBERT HIPWELL

Brigadier General (R) Robert Hipwell, DBA, is a revered retired military leader, accomplished author, professional speaker, and recognized expert in the field of inspirational leadership. With an illustrious military career spanning decades, where he served in combat in 3 wars, Vietnam, Afghanistan & Iraq. He has garnered admiration for his strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence.

During his tenure as a Brigadier General, Dr. Hipwell’s visionary leadership style, characterized by his strategic foresight and emphasis on fostering talent, yielded exceptional results in even the most challenging operational landscapes. His enduring impact on the military community is a testament to his dedication and skill.

As the author of the Amazon best-selling book “Inspirational Leadership,” Dr. Hipwell’s influence transcends boundaries. His work encapsulates practical wisdom and actionable strategies for transformative leadership, resonating with readers across diverse industries.

General David Petraeus commends Dr. Hipwell’s contribution, stating, “Brigadier General Hipwell’s insights into leadership are both profound and practical. His book ‘Inspirational Leadership’ offers a compelling roadmap for aspiring leaders, drawing from his extensive experience and offering valuable guidance for achieving success.”

Robert and his beloved wife of 32 yrs. Cindy, split time between North Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and their ranch home in Northern California where they enjoy spending time with family (9 children, 23 grandchildren). Their hobbies include golf, hiking, mountain bike riding, boating, horseback riding, and snow skiing during the winter.

KAREN VAUGHN

Karen Vaughn is the mother of fallen US Navy SEAL Chief, Aaron Carson Vaughn (SEAL Team VI). On August 6, 2011 Aaron was killed in action in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan when a chopper (call sign Extortion 17) carrying thirty Americans was shot from the sky while rushing into battle.

Over the past eleven years, Karen has emerged on the national scene as powerful spokeswoman for not only our defenders still fighting on foreign soil and securing peace across the globe, but also as an advocate for a stronger, safer, and more resilient America.

Carrying on Aaron’s legacy has brought this Gold Star mother through the halls of Congress, into multiple National Press Conferences, into regular appearances on national news networks, and well over 100 local and national radio programs. She’s been featured on large stages across the country as a keynote speaker, including a guest speaker position during opening night of the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Karen is currently a national speaker for the American Warrior Initiative and is also the bestselling author of World Changer: A Mother’s Story.

The family, along with their daughter, Tara Baldwin, founded Operation 300 in 2012; a nonprofit organization that hosts adventure camps for children of fallen warfighters and also hosts weekend retreats for a largely-overlooked population…Gold Star fathers.

Karen and her husband Billy have been married for forty-two years and still believe their greatest accomplishment on earth were raising their three children, Aaron, Tara, and Ana.

MATT EVERSMANN

In October of 1993, First Sergeant Matt Eversmann led a group of Army Rangers in a UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia. Having been trapped, outnumbered, and marked for death, Eversmann’s survival and heroism earned him a Bronze Star Medal with Valor device. He’s since been immortalized in the film Black Hawk Down.

JAMES HARTSELL

General Hartsell served in the United States Marine Corps with honor for 37 years of active and reserve duty, beginning as an enlisted Marine in 1981 and completing a distinguished and highly decorated military career as a Major General.

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