Opening Keynote: Melissa Stockwell

Melissa Stockwell, former Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, will share her story of overcoming personal tragedy with perseverance.  In March 2004, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq.  Just three weeks later, a blast from a roadside bomb struck Melissa’s Humvee, causing the loss of her left leg above the knee. Following her military career, athletics became a way of life for Melissa.  

Melissa is a three-time world champion paratriathlete and and recently completed her first Ironman.  She is a level 1 certified triathlon coach and co-founder of Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club, helping others with disabilities enjoy the sport of triathlon and embrace active living.