Fireside Chat

Leading from the Front - Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Leading from the Front - Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Leading from the Front - Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Saturday

Oct 25, 2025

3:30pm

-

4:00pm

Join two of the military community's most influential leaders for an unprecedented conversation about leadership, legacy, and the evolving landscape of military service and veteran advocacy.

Carol Whitmore made history as the first woman to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars in its 125-year history, breaking one of the most significant barriers in veteran service organizations. John Wayne Troxell served as the highest-ranking enlisted member in the U.S. military, representing 2.2 million enlisted service members across all branches as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Both leaders bring unique insights into what it means to represent service members and veterans at the highest levels—from the Pentagon to VFW posts across America. Their perspectives span active duty leadership and post-service advocacy, offering a comprehensive view of military leadership's past, present, and future.