On August 8, 2012, Captain Florent (Flo) Groberg was serving as a personal security detachment commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. When Groberg noticed an individual with an abnormal bulge walking close to their formation, he instinctively tackled the assailant, shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast. He flew 15 to 20 feet, sustaining multiple injuries and nerve damage, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. On November 12, 2015, Groberg became one of 3,516 recipients since 1894 to receive the Medal of Honor. His courageous and selfless act of sacrifice embodies valor, bravery, courage, and the commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty.

Moderator:

Bob Hastings is the Principal, Robert Hastings & Associates, a leadership and communications consultancy focused on the aerospace, defense, and mobility sectors. As a veteran C-Suite advisor, Hastings is a proven leader, business executive, strategic communicator, author and veterans advocate with a track record of success spanning a forty-year multifaceted career in military, corporate leadership, and public service. Hastings served in the Administration of President George W. Bush as Principal Deputy/Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, where he was the principal advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense and senior Administration officials for strategic communication, public information, and internal information, leading a worldwide public affairs community of some 4000 military and civilian personnel. A decorated combat helicopter pilot, Mr. Hastings is a retired Brigadier General from the Texas Military Department who successfully commanded U.S. Army and state military units from platoon to brigade level.