US MARINE SERGEANT
Medal of Honor Recipient | Best-Selling Author | Entrepreneur Keynote Speaker
US MARINE SERGEANT
Medal of Honor Recipient | Best-Selling Author | Entrepreneur Keynote Speaker
Dakota Meyer is a distinguished United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, recognized for his extraordinary valor during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. His courageous actions during that harrowing engagement earned him the highest military decoration in the United States, making him the second-youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, the third living recipient from the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, and the first living Marine to receive this honor in 38 years. Dakota re-enlisted into the Marine Corps on April 17th, 2025.
Dakota has continued to dedicate himself to service and leadership in both professional and personal arenas. He has earned the Medal of Valor for his bravery as a firefighter, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to protecting others. As an entrepreneur, Dakota is the founder of Dash Strategies and Dash Hydrate, companies that reflect his mission-driven approach to improving lives and inspiring resilience. He is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker and the author of two New York Times bestselling books, where he shares his transformative lessons in leadership, grit, and purpose.
Guided by a single mission to change the world, Dakota strives to create a lasting impact by empowering others to be the best versions of themselves. Above all, he is a proud father to two beautiful daughters, a role he considers his greatest honor.
Dakota Meyer is a distinguished United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, recognized for his extraordinary valor during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. His courageous actions during that harrowing engagement earned him the highest military decoration in the United States, making him the second-youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, the third living recipient from the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, and the first living Marine to receive this honor in 38 years. Dakota re-enlisted into the Marine Corps on April 17th, 2025.
Dakota has continued to dedicate himself to service and leadership in both professional and personal arenas. He has earned the Medal of Valor for his bravery as a firefighter, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to protecting others. As an entrepreneur, Dakota is the founder of Dash Strategies and Dash Hydrate, companies that reflect his mission-driven approach to improving lives and inspiring resilience. He is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker and the author of two New York Times bestselling books, where he shares his transformative lessons in leadership, grit, and purpose.
Guided by a single mission to change the world, Dakota strives to create a lasting impact by empowering others to be the best versions of themselves. Above all, he is a proud father to two beautiful daughters, a role he considers his greatest honor.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Medal of Honor
Second-youngest living recipient, first living Marine in 38 years to receive the nation’s highest decoration
Battle of Ganjgal
Extraordinary valor during the harrowing engagement in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on September 8, 2009
Author & Entrepreneur
Two New York Times bestselling books, founder of Dash Strategies and Dash Hydrate
HONORS & RECOGNITION
Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Two Combat Action Ribbons
Medal of Valor (Firefighter)
Re-enlisted April 17, 2025
KEYNOTE TOPICS
Leading Under Fire
Decision-making when lives are on the line—lessons from combat that translate to high-stakes business leadership
Own the Dash
Living with purpose between birth and death—making every moment count and leaving a lasting legacy
Post-Traumatic Growth
Turning adversity into strength—how to transform challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth
Courageous Leadership
Creating a culture of accountability and action—building teams that rise to any challenge
Service Over Self
Building mission-driven teams—the Marine Corps principles that create unbreakable bonds and winning organizations
From Combat to Fatherhood
Navigating identity and transition—finding purpose and meaning beyond the uniform
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“Dakota Meyer is a national hero—and beyond that, a humble and raw voice of courage and responsibility. His talk left our leadership team changed, energized, and more connected to what really matters.”
Corporate Executive
Fortune 100 Tech Firm
“Dakota doesn’t just talk about bravery—he lives it. His message about owning your life, no matter the obstacles, inspired our entire organization.”
Event Director
National Sales Conference
“Every audience he speaks to walks away feeling like they matter more. Dakota connects deeply, challenges gently, and motivates powerfully.”
Director
Military Nonprofit