A native of Modesto, California, Captain Gerald Coffee joined the Navy in 1957 after his graduation from UCLA. He received his navy wings in 1959, and served his country as a naval officer for 28 years. For over seven of those years (1966 to 1973) -- one fourth of his career -- he served as a prisoner of war in the communist prisons of North Vietnam.
  
After his return, he earned a Masters Degree in Political Science, in 1975, from the University of California at Berkeley. In 1977, he was selected to attend the prestigious National Defense University, in Washington D.C.
  
Since his retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1985, Captain Coffee has inspired thousands of people from the speaking platform. He addressed almost 100 audiences each year with his timeless message "Beyond Survival." Through a national survey, corporate and association meeting planners selected Captain Coffee as one of America's top ten speakers.
  
His military decorations include the silver star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the distinguished flying cross, two bronze stars, the air medal, two purple hearts, and the Vietnam service medal with 13 stars. For his contribution to Americanism through public speaking, Captain Coffee has received numerous civilian awards as well, including the George Washington honor medal presented by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, and the National Speakers Association's highest award for excellence and standards of professionalism in speaking.
  
His first book, Beyond Survival, was featured in a condensed version in Reader's Digest, Guideposts Magazine, and on audiocassette by Nightingale-Conant. His message is also available on video and audiocassette.
  
Captain Coffee makes his home on the island of Oahu, in Hawaii.

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