Jessica Lynch - Keynote SPeaker
Lynch was born in April of 1983 in Palestine, West Virginia, the second child and first daughter to Deadra Lynch and Gregory Lynch, Sr. Her dream was to go to college and become a teacher, which she later achieved. After graduating high school in May of 2001, she thought she had life figured out, or so she thought. That summer an Army recruiter stopped by their home and soon Jessica and her older brother, Greg found themselves joining the U.S. Army. Their younger sister, Brandi was still in high school.
On September 19, 2001, Lynch entered basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She later completed Advanced Individual Training for her Military Occupational Specialty as a unit supply specialist (MOS 92Y) in the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee, Virginia. Jessica then was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. While stationed at Fort Bliss Jessica met Lori Piestewa who became one of Jessica's best friends and roommate (AKA Battle Buddy). Lori grew up in Tuba City, Arizona on a Hopi Native American reservation. Jessica and Lori couldn't have been more different but somehow, they found everything in common.
In February 2003, Jessica's unit was deployed to Kuwait with standby orders for Iraq. On the morning of 23 March 2003, the 507th Maintenance Company Jessica was part of had mistakenly veered off Highway 8 and then turned toward the city into enemy-held territory. The US vehicles ran into an ambush, drawing enemy fire from every direction. Eleven American soldiers were killed and Jessica along with five others were taken prisoner. However, a few soldiers managed to escape the ambush and form a secure perimeter around their wounded. [Reference Honor Them Here] Jessica was held in captivity until she was rescued on April 1, 2003 for a total of nine days and the other five members of her unit were held captive for twenty-one days until they were released on April 12 2003. While in captivity in the Nasiriyah hospital, Piestewa died from her injuries. She was only 23 years old. Jessica was seriously injured. She suffered a broken back, right arm, right foot, left femur, left tibia, a laceration to her head, and several cracked ribs.
On April 1, 2003, U.S. Marines from 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion 8th Marines and 2nd Battalion 1st Marines, as well as members from the Navy SEALs under the command of the U.S. Army, staged a diversionary attack, besieging nearby Iraqi irregulars to draw them away from Saddam Hospital (now named the Imam Hussein Teaching Hospital - 31°03'31.2"N 46°14'45.8"E) in Nasiriyah. Meanwhile, an element from the Joint Special Operations Task Force 121 composed of U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs), Army Rangers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and Delta Force launched a nighttime raid on the hospital, and successfully retrieved Jessica and the bodies of eleven other American soldiers.
After her rescue, Jessica was transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, where she would start the physical healing process. On the flight to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the military medics kept her sedated and hydrated. Her family flew to Germany on April 5 to be reunited with her. In a statement, the hospital said, "Lynch had a big smile on her face when her parents arrived. Jessica underwent back surgery on April 3 to correct a vertebra that was putting pressure on her spinal cord. Since then, she continues to undergo several more surgeries to stabilize her fractures and still suffers from the injuries she received.
Jessica went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in Communication Studies. Today Jessica continues physical therapy for those injuries. She continues to persevere and speak to audiences young and old about her experience as a Prisoner of War (POW). [Reference Media Events] She continues to deliver speeches to business corporations, veteran organizations, universities, colleges, schools, and youth groups. In 2014 Jessica made her acting debut as specialist Summer L. Gabriel in the 2014 film Virtuous by JC Films. Her role was loosely based on her own experiences during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. She also had roles in other movies and one music video. [Reference Acting Film – Videos]
Today Jessica does her best to continue getting the message out about the U.S. government creating the false narrative and story about “Lynch’s Heroic Acts” as part of the Pentagon's propaganda effort. On April 24, 2007, she testified in front of United States Congress that she had never fired her weapon (her M16 rifle reportedly having jammed), and that she had been knocked unconscious when her vehicle crashed during the ambush. Lynch has been outspoken in her criticism of the original stories that were reported regarding her combat experience. When asked about her heroine status, she stated: "That wasn't me. I'm not about to take credit for something I didn't do... I'm just a survivor." Jessica wants to ensure that the story of the real heroes is told and the story of her fellow POW’s are told along side hers.
Paul Berthiaume
Paul Berthiaume is a gifted pastor, communicator, and visionary Christian leader whose life is marked by a deep love for Jesus and a steadfast commitment to following Him. He has devoted his life and ministry to building a healthy church, nurturing Christian community, strengthening families, and advancing innovative education.
Born and raised in Superior, Wisconsin, Paul’s journey of faith began in high school and quickly grew into a calling—he planted his first church at just 19, setting the course for a lifetime of ministry. In 2000, he earned his Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, where his theological foundation was deeply shaped. In recognition of his leadership and impact, Bethel Seminary named him Alumnus of the Year in 2013.
Since 2001, Paul has served as the Lead Pastor of Jacob’s Well Church in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin—a church he and his wife Whitney started in their living room alongside a small group of close friends. What began as a humble, prayerful gathering has grown into a vibrant church community of more than 4,500 people, with far-reaching impact across the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Under Paul’s leadership, Jacob’s Well has become a place where people take meaningful steps in their faith journey—offering life-giving ministries that engage over 2,500 adults, kids, and students each week.
Beyond his role at Jacob’s Well, Paul has helped plant churches, coached ministry leaders across Wisconsin, and spoken widely on church leadership and spiritual growth. He also serves as board president of Venture Academy, an innovative K–7 Christian school that launched in Chippewa Falls in 2024, where he is helping guide the next generation of faith-filled learners.
Paul lives in New Auburn, Wisconsin, with his wife Whitney and their dog Cece. They have five adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. A passionate fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, Paul also mentors youth through scouting and has been actively involved in troop leadership with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. You can hear Paul’s weekly Bible teaching at jacobswellchurch.church, or listen to his podcast, The School of Unlearning, on Spotify.
Robert Goodland
Robert Goodland is a retired firefighter and paramedic and the founder of The Heart of a Horse LLC. He is a duel certified coach with certifications in Equine Gestalt Coaching Method and Gestalt Coaching Method. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his equine partners. Robert uses his decades of experience as a first responder to help others who have been affected by their own personal traumas. Robert is also a sexual assault survivor and was diagnosed with PTSD following a work related near drowning. His love of horses and people led him to his passion of walking along side others as they heal.
Toni Mattson
Toni Mattson is a Speaker, Author, Podcast Host, and fierce Advocate for those who serve—both community and country.
Twenty-three years ago, Toni, her husband Bill, and her sister Jan founded Trinity Equestrian Center, a 67-acre, faith-led nonprofit near Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Since then, Toni has been the driving force behind their programs that meet people where they are—initiatives that speak fluent trauma, resilience, and restoration. With horses as co-healers and subtle faith at the core, she helped make equine-assisted services more accessible to veterans, offering a path to reconnect, rebuild confidence, and move forward with strength.
For 16 years, Toni worked closely with veterans and the horses that helped carry the weight of their stories—logging thousands of hours in the trenches of recovery and relationship-building. As a dual-certified equine professional with advanced training in military post-traumatic stress, her understanding of both the head and heart of a horse was shaped by decades of hands-on experience. She’s seen how that bond becomes a lifeline—where mutual respect and quiet connection can lead to something deeper. Toni’s insight goes beyond credentials; it’s been earned through real-world work, steady faith, and the kind of presence that can’t be taught. Over time, she helped grow Trinity into one of the Midwest’s most respected organizations serving veterans.
Toni also spent nearly two decades traveling the U.S. and Canada as an international speaker with God’s Great Outdoors Ministry. She’s shared her message on radio, TV, college campuses, conference stages, and multiple times before the Wisconsin State Senate—advocating for those carrying the invisible wounds of service.
In 2023, she released her book, Unlikely Recruits—a raw and redemptive collection of 20 true short stories that offer a glimpse into how God enlists horses to do His most sacred work in the lives of veterans. The stories reflect the heart of Toni’s mission and the work she’s passionate about: walking with people through the hard stuff and helping them take real steps toward healing and wholeness.
Her message resonates because it’s real—full of grit, grace, and the unmistakable presence of God in unexpected places. And because that same weight of service had long shown up in first responders too, Toni partnered with her oldest son, Ian—a former officer and now CEO of Trinity—who understood that burden and helped expand their reach to support those serving on the front lines of our communities. That expansion sparked the creation of the inaugural Strength in Service Summit, launching October 2025 as a regional gathering of healing, training, and renewed resilience for veterans, first responders, and those who support them.
Now in a new season, Toni’s focus has shifted from hands-on therapy to creating tools, courses, and conversations that support others on their journey. She’s on a mission to reframe recovery by lifting up three truths shaped by years in the field:
• That silence doesn’t protect us—it isolates and wears us down
• That trauma isn’t a disorder—it’s an injury that deserves care, not shame
• And that life after service isn’t over—it’s the beginning, especially when people are supported in discovering their fit and where they truly belong
Whether she’s writing, speaking, podcasting, or building tools for transformation, Toni shows up with conviction, compassion, and a clear calling: to help others discover the courage to heal and the clarity to live the life God created them for.