On September 11, 2001, Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Tony Rose was talking with his co- workers at the Pentagon about the World Trade Center attack, when American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the building on the floor below him. "I was blown off my feet into the pylonjust like some invisible hand pushed me." Although injured, Tony participated in the rescue, recovery, and security operations after the Pentagon was attacked. He is one of the many American heroes from that day.

A 31-year veteran of the United States Army, Tony has maintained a busy speaking schedule since he retired last year. He describes his experiences, which have compelled him to share his stories: "We heard other people in the rubble so we started helping them by digging. And this man's hand grabbed me by the wrist. We pulled some debris off his face. He looked me right in the eye and I said, 'you're going to be all right. Help is here.' He was scared to death."

Speaking Topics Include...

"Duty, Honor, Country"

Tony takes audiences on a walk through American history that ignites the fires of patriotism! His infectious love for the United States, the Constitution and Old Glory reminds everyone that "Freedom Is Not Free!"

The presentation is adaptable to every age and event from kindergarten classrooms to the corporate boardroom. The audience transcends political parties, ethnicity and gender as they proudly rally around the flag! This motivational presentation is a hit with teachers, parents, pastors and executives who need to "light a fire" under folks while building encouraging teamwork and a positive attitude.

"The Three Stooges, Uncle Sam, Jesus, and Me"

On 9-11-01, at 9:36, Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tony Rose talked with his soldiers and co-workers as they began preparations to respond to the airplane attacks on the Twin Towers in New York. At 9:37, American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into The Pentagon at 400 miles per hour, killing twenty-six of his friends, soldiers and civilians. They were at ground zero.

Flight 77 exploded directly under Tony's second floor office. Blown to the floor by the concussion blast, Tony watched in slow motion as the building ripped apart around him and the 2200-degree fireball ignited everything it touched.

Tony speaks with tones of reverence sprinkled with lots of laughter as he helps the audience understand the "hell on earth" that enveloped his office and people. His decision to begin rescue operations and to re-enter the building five times that day hinged on his cry to Jesus. Learn the key to his survival that terrible day when death raged through the hallways of The Pentagon. Tony's youngest audience to date for this presentation was a group of kindergarten children who, much to his delight, asked more probing questions than most adults.

About Tony Rose...

Tony was chosen to represent American veterans in a toast to President Bush at the Veterans Presidential Inaugural Ball by the ARK Foundation, Inc., which supports projects that benefit Americans. Of this selection, Tony says, "It's incredibly humbling and I feel absolutely honored, when you consider all the veterans and all the active forces, that I have the opportunity to do this. To me it's very serious." Larry King of CNN's Larry King Live will emcee this event, which will raise money for the National Veterans Hospice and for veterans with Alzheimer's disease.

Empowerment, Overcoming Adversity, Keynote, Motivational,