Former U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant
Spencer Stone
Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000
Travels From: SMF - Sacramento, CA
Primary Topic Category: Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Secondary Topic Category: Military
Spencer Stone At A Glance:
On August 21, 2015, Air Force Staff Sgt. Spencer Stone demonstrated unparalleled bravery alongside childhood friends when they intervened to prevent a terrorist attack on a Paris-bound train. Rushing towards imminent danger, Stone fearlessly disarmed the armed assailant saving nearly 500 lives and earning him the French Legion of Honor, the Airman’s Medal and a Purple Heart. Their remarkable journey was detailed in the book 'The 15:17 to Paris'; which inspired a motion picture directed by Clint Eastwood, immortalizing their story as a symbol of hope and inspiration for all.
On August 21, 2015, Air Force Staff Sgt. Spencer Stone demonstrated unparalleled bravery alongside childhood friends Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos when they intervened to prevent a terrorist attack on a Paris-bound train. Rushing towards imminent danger, an unarmed Stone fearlessly tackled and subdued the armed assailant, disarming him of an assault rifle, pistol, box cutter, and enough ammunition to threaten everyone on board, thereby averting catastrophe and saving nearly 500 lives.This remarkable act of heroism not only garnered international recognition but also underscored the indomitable spirit of ordinary individuals when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
Stone’s courageous actions on the train epitomized the timeless adage that heroes often emerge from the most unexpected places in times of crisis. French President Francois Hollande presented Stone with the nation’s highest decoration, The Legion of Honor. Upon his return to the United States, he was honored in a ceremony at the Pentagon and was awarded the Airman’s Medal and a Purple Heart. In recounting his experiences, Stone emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action to assist those in need, weaving a narrative rich in themes of courage, honor, and communal responsibility.
Despite the accolades and honors bestowed upon him, Stone’s journey was marked by further adversity when he was brutally attacked in his hometown of Sacramento, CA, just weeks after the Paris incident. Sustaining life-threatening injuries while defending a friend, Stone underwent extensive medical treatment and made a remarkable recovery. His resilience and unwavering commitment to helping others serve as a testament to the enduring power of human courage in the face of adversity.
Stone, Sadler and Skarlatos released a book detailing their incredible journey, The 15:17 to Paris, which caught the eye of legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood. Now a motion picture, Stone and his friends play themselves in the film, which was released in February 2018. This cinematic retelling, along with the book, immortalizes Stone’s remarkable story as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for ordinary individuals to overcome extraordinary challenges and leave a lasting impact on the world.
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Don’t Be a Bystander
The Audience will learn who I am, where I came from, and what brought me to the train. They will receive an in depth recounting of exactly what happened within the train walls with regards to the attack and my actions. As well as a detailing of the incident where I was stabbed another four times just 6 weeks after the terrorist attack. Ending with what it truly means to not be a bystander and how to build a mindset to prevent bad things happening to good people.
Spencer was incredible at our event. Obviously, his story is mindblowing and breathtaking, but his presence onstage and the way he connects to the audience while he recounts his journey…well, he takes it to a level that is just beyond. We were honored to have him on stage for this 20,000 person event - and the standing ovation he received was the very least we could do to thank him for his service and courage.
— NAPA Auto Parts
Spencer did a fantastic job. He was quite the guy, very personable and easy going. He had a full house with people standing. He signed a lot of books and took pictures with everyone wanting one.
— EMS PRO, inc.
I wanted to let you know that today was a huge success!! Please pass along my complete and total appreciation to Spencer. He knocked it out of the park today and truly was perfect for our event. Haven’t had this much positive feedback since Marcus Luttrell.
— GULFSTREAM
