Theme: Strength Through Stories

The Top Three's Total Force Development Council has partnered with the 62nd Airlift Wing's Resiliency Office to host the first-ever TEDxJointBaseLewisMcChord. This thought provoking and FREE event will provide you with a unique perspective on what it means to be "Resilient". Created in the Spirit of TED’s Mission, the TEDx program is designed to give organizations the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.

McChord Club
700 Barnes Blvd
Ballroom
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, 98438
United States

Brian Bergren

Evolutionary Leadership: Bridging the Generational Divide

Colonel Brian Bergren commands the 225th Air Defense Squadron which is a Washington Air National Guard Organization comprised of 195 US and Canadian personnel. They provide air defense command and control for 73% of the continental US. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School (graduate level course similar to US Navy’s TOPGUN) and has served in varying leadership capacities in the WA ANG for 15 years. He is a member of the of the Board of Trustees for Tacoma Arts Live (formerly The Broadway Center) and Peninsula Hands on Art, an organization dedicated to providing 4,000 children exposure to the arts in the Peninsula School District. He is married to Hillary Jensen-Bergren since 2001 and has a 15 year old daughter, Madeline.

Brian Nelson

Suffering to Connect

Brian Nelson has spent over two decades in military service, managed a petroleum company, has co-founded an animal rescue with his wife, and founded and directs a race called “Unleashed at Stadium Bowl.” Experienced in government, private sector, and numerous non-profit positions, Brian understands that every organization is built upon people. His true passion is to facilitate and witness growth in people. You can see Brian speak at TEDx Tacoma 2012 under “1 lb. Stronger”. He is a natural communicator, and translator between groups. His innovative initiatives while serving as the Operations Officer of Task Force Dagger in Afghanistan directly led to an increase of Intelligence collection and reporting by 30% from previous organizations. He knows how to grow, lead, and influence people. Brian is the founder of Grit360, a consulting firm for mental skills, character, and leadership development. Grit360 teaches people how to get out of their own way.

Dean Burke

Seeking Bruce Lee

Dean Burke is a Tacoma local and TEDx alumni speaker. A storyteller at heart, he likes to help tackle topics by re-packaging the information into new ways of thinking and understanding. In this presentation, Dean will look at the space between Disruption and Resolve as we practice the act of Resiliency.

Jon Cobler

Why Seeds Are Stronger Than Tanks

Jon Cobler is the Lead Pastor at Church of Living Water in Olympia, Washington. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Fawn, for 22 years and enjoys an amazing family with three boys and one girl. Jon lived in 18 houses by the age of 18 while his father served in the USAF. His life was changed at 16, when he encountered what many consider hopelessness while serving children in the projects of Washington DC. Since then he has worked to bring hope and community transformation wherever he is. Jon has been a featured speaker in various parts or the world, but has a special love and appreciation for the military community. The Cobler family is committed to the reality that in the midst of all the pain and chaos, there is good news for the world today

Katie Madison

The Privilege of Suffering

Katie Madison is an Air Force Key Spouse for the 62d Aerial Port Squadron and an advocate for rare and autoimmune diseases. She is honored to hold the title of Air Mobility Command's 2018 Key Spouse of the Year and serve as Air Mobility Command's nominee for the Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year award. While managing her own autoimmune disease, she blogs about, fundraises for, and speaks on rare diseases and autoimmunity to raise awareness and education to guide fellow patients on their journeys.

Kevin Whalen

Prevailing in the Winds of Adversity

Kevin Whalen retired from the Air Force and WA Air National Guard as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) after nearly 26 years of service and having received the Silver Star Medal, the nation’s third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat, and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received during combat in Afghanistan. He now resides in Washington where he works as a physical security consultant for Amazon Web Services.

Kristina Roberts

When Failure Is Not an Option

Captain Kristina Roberts is not only a Senior Director and Executive Officer at the Western Air Defense Sector, she is also leading the charge for equality in the military. She formed a group for other female service members who either need support or guidance through mentorship.

Philip Lindholm

The Secret to a Meaningful Life

Philip Lindholm was a Rhodes Scholar finalist who graduated with his doctorate from Oxford after obtaining separate master’s degrees in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Dr. Lindholm went on to produce documentaries with the BBC and ITV, and lecture at the University of Oxford and Washington, before transitioning to hospital chaplaincy with MultiCare and CHI Franciscan. He currently serves as a Captain Chaplain for the Washington Air National Guard and is board certified by the National Association of Veterans Affairs. He has written two books and several book chapters, and volunteers at Mary Bridge Hospital as a grief-group facilitator for families with terminal diagnoses.

Shellie Willis

Embracing Your Power of AND!

Shellie Willis is the CEO and Founder of the “Redefining You” Foundation. In this presentation, Shellie will talk about how we so often we find ourselves utilizing our skills and abilities in a limited way. We never think about or are afraid of bringing those talents and skills to the workplace or community. How do we see ourselves different and own our place regardless of position and how do we embrace, utilize, and harness our AND.