RETIRED NAVY SEAL
Purple Heart & Silver Star Recipient | Bestselling Author | Inspirational Speaker
Follow Will
Will Chesney is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, decorated combat veteran, and bestselling author who shares one of the most unique and powerful perspectives in modern military history—a story not just about war, but about unbreakable bonds, trust under fire, and the life-saving power of a dog named Cairo.
A Texas native, Will joined the Navy in 2002 and became a SEAL after graduating from BUD/S Class 246. He later joined SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU), the nation’s most elite counterterrorism unit, where he deployed on hundreds of high-risk missions. But it was his role as a military working dog handler—and his partnership with Cairo, a Belgian Malinois—that changed his life forever.
Together, Will and Cairo served side by side through intense combat operations, including the historic 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound. But their bond didn’t end on the battlefield. When Will was seriously injured by a grenade blast in 2012, it was Cairo’s presence during his long road to recovery that helped him survive emotionally and physically. As Will puts it: “Cairo saved my life more than once—overseas and back home.”
In his keynotes, Will brings audiences into that deeply personal journey—what it means to build trust in the most high-stakes environments imaginable, how loyalty and teamwork can literally save lives, and how leadership often looks like quiet strength, not loud command. His talks are raw, heartfelt, and unforgettable, reminding us that sometimes the best teammate doesn’t speak a word—but shows up for you every single time.
Will is the recipient of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and other military honors. His bestselling memoir, No Ordinary Dog, has touched readers around the world. Today, he speaks to corporate teams, athletic leaders, veteran organizations, and anyone seeking real lessons in resilience, courage, and connection.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
SEAL Team Six
Served at DEVGRU, the nation’s most elite counterterrorism unit, deployed on hundreds of high-risk missions
Cairo Partnership
Military working dog handler partnered with Cairo, served together including the 2011 bin Laden raid
Bestselling Author
“No Ordinary Dog” – powerful memoir about loyalty, healing, and the unbreakable bond between handler and K9
HONORS & RECOGNITION
Silver Star
Purple Heart
SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU)
Operation Neptune Spear (2011)
KEYNOTE TOPICS
No Ordinary Dog
Partnership, loyalty, and healing beyond the battlefield—the story of Will and Cairo’s unbreakable bond
Mission-Ready Mindset
Operating under pressure with precision and calm—lessons from SEAL Team Six operations
Hidden Wounds
Understanding TBI and veteran wellness—the invisible injuries and the path to recovery
Brotherhood & Bond
What elite military service teaches about trust—building teams that perform under pressure
Quiet Professionals
Lessons in humility, service, and resilience—leading with quiet strength and unwavering dedication
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“Will’s story captivated the room. His strength, humility, and message of perseverance left every person deeply moved and motivated.”
Director
Global Leadership Conference
“A remarkable speaker and a remarkable man. Will brings powerful insight into service, sacrifice, and the healing journey we all face in some way.”
Military Health Advocate
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“Will’s talk was the highlight of our event. The story of Cairo and the strength it takes to keep moving forward—absolutely unforgettable.”
Corporate Event Organizer
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Bring an unforgettable story of loyalty and resilience to your next event.