JASON “JAY” REDMAN
Navy Seal (ret.) and Author of the books: Overcome, and The Trident, the Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader
Jason “Jay” Redman was born in a small town in central Ohio and attended schools in Ohio, North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Florida before graduating from Lumberton High School in Southern North Carolina. He joined the Navy on September 11, 1992 and began his naval career at boot camp in Orlando, Florida.
Jason spent his first two years in the Navy working as an Intelligence Specialist working for and around Naval Special Warfare. During Boot Camp he had tried out and was accepted for Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training (BUD/S) and he reported to BUD/S in January of 1995. He enjoyed a full year of friendly instructors, relaxing times on the beach, and endless nights under the Coronado moon before graduating with BUD/S class 202 in December of 1995.
Jason set off on a whirlwind career, completing three deployments to South America where he conducted numerous Counter Drug missions throughout Colombia and Peru. He returned in December of 2000 to become an instructor for his SEAL Team’s Basic Land Warfare block of training. He spent the next year and a half teaching Marksmanship, Reconnaissance and Surveillance operations, and advanced communications.
In August of 2000, Petty Officer 1st Class Redman was one of fifty naval enlisted members selected for the prestigious Seaman to Admiral Program. He began school at Old Dominion University in August of 2001.
Jason graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Summa Cum Laude with Honors in Business Administration. He was commissioned in May of 2004 as a Naval SEAL Officer.
Jason immediately reported to his new SEAL Team and was directly assigned as an Assistant Platoon Commander. His platoon deployed to Afghanistan in July of 2005 and conducted numerous combat operations that directly contributed to the Global War on Terror.
In May of 2006, he graduated from the grueling US Army Ranger Course of Instruction to further his tactical knowledge and increase his understanding of Joint Operations and Army mission planning. In May 2007, Jason deployed to Fallujah, Iraq and served as Mobility Force Commander and Assault Force Commander for over 40 Direct Action missions throughout western Iraq.
On September 13, 2007, while acting as Assault Force Commander on an operation to capture an Al Qaeda High Value Individual LT Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun and small arms fire and he along with two other Teammates were wounded in the ensuing firefight. Despite being shot twice in the arm and once in the face, as well as multiple rounds to his helmet, Night Vision Goggles, body armor, and weapon, Jason and his Team fought valiantly winning the fight, ensuring everyone came home alive.
While recovering at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, LT Redman wrote and hung a bright orange sign on his door, which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. This sign gained national recognition and earned LT Redman and his family an invitation to meet President George W. Bush in the Oval Office. The original sign on the door, signed by President Bush, now hangs in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda.
In July 2010, Jason joined three other wounded service members and reached the summit of Mount Rainier as a testament to wounded warriors and all Americans that there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome if you have the drive, the determination, and the tenacity to rise above.
LT Redman retired from the Navy in 2013 and founded Wounded Wear, which later evolved into the Combat Wounded Coalition, a Non-Profit organization which supports combat wounded warriors and families of the fallen. He currently acts as the executive director of the organization and is also the founder and CEO of SOF Spoken, a speaking company which provides inspirational presentations on leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity for businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government organizations. He has spoken to many great organizations including the Marriott Corporation, the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, ODU Monarchs Football Team, the MLB San Diego Padres, NASCAR, and the United States Naval Academy.
In November of 2013, Redman published The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader. His book details lessons learned in leadership and overcoming adversity throughout his SEAL career while also discussing his combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as his personal journey with his wife Erica and their three children. The Trident was selected in 2014 as part of the Chief of Naval Operation’s professional reading program.
He was recognized in November of 2009 by his alma mater Old Dominion University with their prestigious Alumni Service Award in recognition of exemplary leadership, and significant, compassionate service to community, state, and nation. He was a 2010 recipient of the Hope for the Warriors, Hope and Courage award. The Hampton Roads community and Wendy’s recognized him with their Military Hero award in 2013. In 2014, Jason was awarded the 2013 Still Serving Veteran of the Year Award for the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. In 2015 he was presented with the American Veteran Center – The Honors Paul Ray Smith Award and in 2016 he was recognized by Crown Royal as winner of the your hero’s name here naming rights contest for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jason was the first recipient in the history of the contest to decide not to name the race after themselves, instead naming the event after his non-profit, the Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard.
In 2019, Jason released his 2nd book, Overcome, which outlines the process he learned and teaches to persevere despite the “ambushes” life throws at us.
His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), Combat Action Ribbon (two awards) US Army Ranger Tab and numerous service awards.
Jason lives in Virginia with his wife Erica and three children Phoenix, Angelica, and Mackenzie.
- Leadership
- Overcome Mindset
- Teamwork
- Change
- Team Building
- Structure/Goal Setting
- Spiritual Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Five Principles of Elite Performance
- Six Tenets of Success
- Setting the right course
- Pentagon of Performance
The Jocko Podcast
The Kristof Lewis Podcast
February 2018: WTKR Overcome Academy
https://wtkr.com/2018/02/19/overcome-academy-turns-combat-wounded-veterans-into-civilian-leaders/
October 2017:
October 2017:
Red Bandana Award – Virginia Pilot
Jason Redman’s receiving the Red Bandanna Hero Award for his efforts.
Named for Welles Remy Crowther – “The Man in the Red Bandanna” who rescued more than a dozen people on Sept. 11, 2001 – the award pays tribute to the “everyday hero who exemplifies the American Spirit and defines us as a nation,” according to a news release.
October 2017:
Fox News – Stop Politicizing things that we should not be politicizing
A wounded warrior said it’s “incredibly disappointing” to see the controversy over President Donald Trump’s call to a Gold Star widow. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) claimed Tuesday that Trump told the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson during a phone call that “he knew what he signed up for.” Johnson was among four service members killed earlier this month during an ambush in Niger. “I feel as a nation that we are moving down this path where we are politicizing things that really should not be touched,” said Jason Redman, a former Navy SEAL and CEO of Combat Wounded Coalition. “You need to put politics aside. You cannot politicize something like this.”
November 1, 2015:
123: How To Rebuild Leadership Credibility
Lessons from the Reforging of a Navy SEAL | with Jason Redman
“The wounds I received, ” wrote Lt. Jason Redman, “I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love.” Redman wrote this on a sign and posted it outside his hospital room during recovery of his terrible injuries. His journey includes a climb to the elite, a humiliating fall from grace and an inspiration to re-invent himself and rebuild his leadership credibility. There is so much to learn from Jason Redman to take our own leadership skills to the next level. -EngagingLeader.com
October 5, 2015:
Jason Redman – Excellence Through Adversity
In September of 2007, while acting as Assault Force Commander to capture an Al Qaeda High-Value Individual, LT Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun and small arms fire and he was severely wounded in the ensuing firefight. After 37 surgeries, Jason uses his positive attitude to motivate others and raise awareness of the sacrifices of American military forces and their families. This drive led him to create Wounded Wear, a non-profit organization, and to promote awareness throughout the country of the sacrifices that wounded service members have made in the name of our freedom. -TremendousLifeRadio.com
September 9, 2015:
Learning How To Overcome Obstacles
Former Navy SEAL lieutenant and author Jason Redman spoke words of encouragement to Norfolk Collegiate middle school students about the valuable traits of leadership, perseverance and teamwork. Students were encouraged to write a letter to Redman about how they plan to apply three of his six tenets, overcome, live greatly, love deeply, stay humble, lead always and have no regrets, into their own lives and ensure a successful school year. -NorfolkCollegiate.org
July 5, 2015:
Combat Wounded Coalitions Helps Vets Overcome Injuries: Gives Veterans Tools To Heal From PTSD
Former Navy SEAL Jason Redman talks about his recently founded Combat Wounded Coalition, or CWC. The Combat Wounded Coalition is all about creating partnerships with other great organizations out there, profit and non-profit, and we are connecting them to the needs of the warriors. We help them rediscover the hero with a focus on pride, power, purpose and peace. -FOX News.com
April 24, 2015:
Operation Defend Freedom Concert: Jason Redman
Former Navy SEAL Jason Redman discusses new book, “The Trident,” Concerned Veterans for America, wounded warriors and military families in New York City at the Operation Defend Freedom Concert, on FOX News. Jason talks about many people do not realize nor understand how the families of veterans are affected by the impact of the injuries of war and how important it is to address these problems. -FOX News.com
April 2015:
Former Navy SEAL Determined To Help Other Wounded Warriors
Retired SEAL Jason Redman talks to CBN’s Pat Robertson about how his faith inspired his recovery. Jason returned home from Iraq after severe wounding in a firefight and has gained an inner strength and drive from his ordeal. Jason’s positive attitude continues to motivate others as he works to raise awareness of all of America’s wounded warriors. -CBN.com, The Christian Broadcasting Network
April 2015:
Raising Awareness For America’s Wounded Warriors
Redman appears on 700 Club Interactive show to talk about being severely wounded in a firefight in 2007. He talks about how his faith inspired him to recover. In his book, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader,” Jason talks about how the extraordinary devotion of his wife and children brought him home. -CBN.com, The Christian Broadcasting Network
January 19, 2015:
Retired U.S. Navy Seal Jason Redman and Retired U.S. Army Ranger Sean Parnell Respond To “American Sniper” Criticism In Hollywood
Redman noted that Seth Rogen is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. He quoted a comment from June 2014 when Rogen stated that being an American made his life “so much easier.” Redman said, “So, Seth Rogen, on behalf of all American veterans who fought for your freedom, you are welcome.” -Hannity on Fox News
January 16 2015:
Chris Kyle’s Friend: “American Sniper” Captures The Totality of War
Retired U.S. Navy Seal Jason Redman told Sean Hannity that the movie shows Kyle as he truly was. He was an amazing sniper, he was an amazing warrior, but bigger than that, he was this incredible father and brother and teammate to all of us. -Hannity on Fox News
June 18, 2014:
Pritzker Military Library
In this program, sponsored by Maron Electric, author and former U.S. Navy SEAL Jason Redman discusses his book, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader.” Jason said, “The only thing that truly stops you from overcoming adversity in life is you. If you absolutely refuse to quit, ultimately you will succeed…”
April 15, 2014:
Embry Riddle Veteran Appreciation Day 2014
Jason Redman attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s sixth annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day on April 15, 2014. During the event, Director of Embry-Riddle Military and Veterans Enrolment and Transition Services (MyVETS), Faith DesLauriers said, “We’re very proud to have Jason join us for Veterans Appreciation Day as we honor all veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made for our freedom.”
April 14, 2014:
Embry Riddle President Lecture Series
Highly decorated former Navy SEAL, Jason Redman discusses his military career and his best selling book, ”The Trident.” Jason signed copies of his book following the event, and he was the special guest of President of Embry-Riddle, John P. Johnson, at the Veterans Appreciation Day ceremonies on April 15th, 2014.
December 22, 2013:
NationSwell
NationSwell interview with former Navy SEAL Jason Redman. NationSwell focuses on stories of builders, pioneers and innovators finding ways to move America forward. In the interview, Jason Redman discusses how he could have retired to a private life, but instead, he decided to shed that anger, so that he could dress other wounded veterans.
July 1, 2014:
Interview with Warrior Scout
Former Navy SEAL Jason Redman interviewed with Warrior Scout’s Ray “Cash” Care to discuss his path to becoming one of America’s elite commandos.War Hero. In this interview, Jason shares a story about when he and his fellow trainees tried to pull a fast one on their instructors during BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training. Jason Redman’s military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
January 22, 2014:
Interview with NRA
Interview with NRA News, at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Cameron Gary talks to Jason Redman, author of “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader,” Jason talks about the mental commitment and change in mindset to transition from the battlefield to recovering from injuries of war. Jason says, “It is always darkest before the dawn….” His message to other wounded veterans is,”The sky is the limit once you make that mental commitment to move forward and live that life.”
December 2014:
Huckabee
On the Fox News Huckabee Show, 2014: The Frontlines episode, Huckabee talks with Retired Navy SEAL Lt. Jason Redman. Huckabee asks Redman’s opinion about the government military pension cuts in the new budget plan. Redman and Huckabee also discuss the leadership skills of the U.S. military, and our troops leaving Afghanistan.
November 6, 2013:
FOX & Friends
U.S. Army Ranger and retired Navy SEAL, Jason Redman, was shot eight times, including in his face just two weeks before due to return home from Iraq. In this FOX and Friends interview, Jason talks about how he was after a senior Al Qaeda leader, in 2007, and walked into an ambush. Redman wrote a book about his experience, called “The Trident” that he hopes will be an inspiration to others to overcome adversity.
October-December 2014:
Interview with David Ruthorford
On Blog Talk Radio, host Navy SEAL David Rutherford explains the highest commitment of a Navy SEAL. He talks about how you can apply that same level of commitment throughout your life, embracing the Navy SEAL mindset. David welcomes Navy SEAL Jason Redman, founder of Wounded Wear, to talk about his incredible experiences as a Navy SEAL.
October 2014:
Interview with EagleSpeak
Midrats, Episode 200: Navy SEALs in the Long War, on Blog Talk Radio, Jason Redman, retired Navy SEAL, is interviewed about the arch that spans the immediate post-Cold War era through the Iraq War. The interview discusses the observations and lessons that a front line leader experiences, and insights as one that was injured in service.
August 8, 2013:
Karl Rove Article – Wall Street Journal
Karl Rove’s Wall Street Journal article tells a story of heroism and endurance – the story of Jason Redman. After 21 years of service, Navy SEAL Jason Redman was shot eight times in Fallujah. Redman wrote, “The wounds I received, I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love.” Redman says he is incredibly tough and will have a full recovery.
June 4, 2014:
Spokane News
On a Spokane, Washington News KXLY Channel 4 broadcast, Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman has grave concern about the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner swap. While talking with local law enforcement at Gonzaga University, Redman expressed his anger about the five prisoners the U.S. swapped for Bergdahl’s release from the Taliban. In response to his opinion of the prisoner swap, Redman stated that negotiating with terrorists is totally unacceptable.
April 27, 2014:
NY Post
New York Post article by John Byrne, “Wall Street looks up to the Navy, not fellow traders,” discussed how the real Wall Street heroes are not people like Leonardo DiCaprio, but patriots like U.S. Navy SEAL Jason Redman. Chief Executive of the Security Traders Association of trading professionals cannot say enough good stuff about Redman. This author has never been on 60 Minutes nor had a movie made about him yet, but still has been labeled a hero on Wall Street.
January 20, 2014:
Achievement Price Blog
Leading Edge Strategies founder, Jeffrey Price talks to Retired Navy Seal Jay Redman about recovering your reputation one act at a time. Redman revisits his experience in U.S. Army Ranger’s School and how, at first, he felt it was a punishment and not an opportunity. Redman discusses his severe injuries and his road to recovery. Retired from battle, Jason is still a true leader and an inspiration to all of us.
December 22, 2013:
Washington Times
In a Special to The Washington Times, Paul Davis posts a book review for Jason Redman’s book, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader.
December 5, 2013:
Investors.com
Investor’s Business Daily writer, Curt Schleier, wrote an article for Investors.com about how Jason Redman maintained a positive attitude throughout his recovery as a wounded veteran. Jason Redman took no prisoners with the note he posted on the door of his hospital room. Redman shed his anger to help other wounded veterans. Riddled with gunshot wounds in a 2007 firefight, Redman somehow continued to maintain a positive attitude.
December 1, 2013:
Chicago ABC 7
Navy SEAL Lt. Jason Redman is interviewed on ABC 7 Chicago Community Connection, Eyewitness News, discusses his 2007 injuries. During that time, Redman had a chance to forge relationships with several first responders. Redman discusses his numerous surgeries, his recovery efforts, and how the medical care workers and supporters really make a difference in our communities.
November 17, 2013:
SOFREP
SOFREP.com article, by Brandon Webb about Jason Redman being critically wounded in a firefight, in 2007, in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. The note that Redman hung on his hospital recovery room door went viral, and he has inspired many to overcome adversity. Webb described his feelings while reading Redman’s inspirational book, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader.”
November 5, 2013:
Military.com
Jason Redman talks about his book, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader” with Military.com’s James Barber. Barber asks Redman about why he decided to pursue a military career and about the myth versus reality of being a Navy SEAL. In 2007, Redman was wounded during service to his country, and Barber asks Redman about his determination during his long road to recovery.
November 5, 2013:
GoodReads
There are many good books on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq but, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader” is not just about a SEAL in Iraq but about a SEAL at war with himself and his determination and perseverance to overcome and be victorious. His story is reviewed as an inspirational read and gained a high star rating.
2013:
Navy Reading List
Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman’s book, “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader” is listed in the Navy’s reading list, in the Essential category. Redman’s story provides valuable lessons in leadership. His inspirations of courage, commitment and dedication span throughout his career. Redman was severely wounded during service to his country, and the lessons that can be learned from him from all Navy warriors should be taken to heart, as they face life’s adversities.
“I feel honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to have Lt. Jason Redman address my leadership team as we began to undergo a significant organizational transformation. Over the past 15 years, our company has hosted many nationally recognized speakers; but the feedback from the team of 300 people in the room earlier in 2017 was clear; none of those past speakers had the personal or professional impact to the team that Lt. Redman did.”
“He balanced his incredibly motivational personal story with several key themes that brought new perspective to all in the room to walk out motivated to be more effective in both business and in life. I would highly recommend having Jason speak to your organization. Lead Always!”
“Thank you so much for giving our company the pleasure of meeting, listening and being inspired by such a great man, Jason Redman. He had an amazing message that I took to heart: Never give up and we can Overcome anything.”
“We have received rave reviews on your presentation and the opportunity for people to meet you afterwards via your book signing. Your inspirational speech was exactly what we needed and wanted for our event.”
“Jason’s message is moving and powerful. He kept the audience fully engaged during the entire program. Jason took time to talk with me prior to our event to get to know our membership’s wants and needs. He couldn’t have been easier to work with. A true professional, gentleman and hero.”
“Lt. Jason Redman was our closing speaker for a three day meeting with the top sales professionals in our Fortune 100 company and our audience left inspired, enlightened and humbled by this incredible man and his amazing journey. Lt. Redman’s presentation was engaging, insightful and extremely relevant to every day leaders who are looking to continue growing in their profession. Over the years, I have worked with more than 100 professional speakers and very rarely do you encounter someone as personable, engaging and genuinely easy to work with as Lt. Redman and his team. It is no surprise that the entire audience gave him a standing ovation.”