Dr. Damon Friedman is a combat-decorated veteran who served four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Originally a US Marine Corps officer, Damon transferred into the Air Force's elite as a Special Tactics Officer (aka Combat Controller). His decorations include three Bronze Stars (one with Valor) and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Dr. Friedman is a sought-after speaker with expertise in leadership, team-building, and inspiration. Currently, he is spearheading a national movement to help warriors and their families deal with the scars of war. In 2018, Dr. Friedman received the Spirit of Hope Award by the Secretary of Defense which recognized his efforts to help the veteran community.
In 2011 Dr. Friedman and his wife Dayna, established SOF Missions, a faith-based non-profit organization aimed at raising awareness of the suicide epidemic among the veteran community. As a solution, SOF Missions provides holistic resources that "empower warriors to find purpose, be resilient, and live well" through a customized treatment plan. To date, SOF Missions has served over 80,000 people globally.
Dr. Friedman is the Executive Producer of Surrender Only to ONE, a faith-based multi-award-winning film which follows the true-life stories of elite combat warriors in US special operations forces. The film reveals the implications of combat and the staggering statistic by the Department of Defense that over 20 veterans take their lives daily. Surrender Only to ONE highlights these challenges and shares messages of hope to the "hurting heroes of our country."
Dr. Friedman holds a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies (Fuller), a Master of Arts in International Relations (University of Oklahoma), a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Social Justice (Lewis University) and is currently pursuing Executive Education in Non-Profit Leadership (Harvard University).
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