“I wanna see you be brave”
-Brave, Sara Bareilles
Colonel Jill Morgenthaler—my mentor, my friend, my role model and my inspiration—died at 64 on February 23, 2019 during a diving expedition in the Dominican Republic. I’m just heartbroken that she’s gone but I am a better person, and this world is a better place, because of her. She lived the words in this song “I wanna see you be brave,” by and Sara Bareilles and Jack Antonoff
Yes, she was brave. She broke barriers, as:
-1st woman to enter the ROTC, integrating women into the program and training as equal with men
-1st Woman Battalion Commander in the 88th Regional Support Command
-1st Woman Brigade Commander in the 84th Division
-1st Woman Company Commander in Army Security Agency Group Korea -Recipient of the Bronze Star in Iraq
-Recipient of the Legion of Merit for exceptional leadership performance
-1st Woman to lead Homeland Security for the State of Illinois
-Recipient of the Bronze Star in Iraq
-Recipient of the Legion of Merit for exceptional leadership performance
-1st Woman to lead Homeland Security for the State of Illinois
Colonel Morgenthaler had a personal showdown with Saddam Hussein (!) and thwarted a Soviet plot to kidnap an American engineer. The courage of this woman knows no bounds.
She also continually helped me and others to be brave:
Her life wasn’t just about her and her great achievements; it was about how she could serve everyone: her country, her family, friends, colleagues. She not only realized her dreams, she spent countless hours helping me and others realize ours too.
She was the epitome of a true leader and mentor, who did not hold back when you asked for her guidance, no matter the circumstance, no matter your rank in the military or life. She stood up for women, her values, her religious beliefs, and her country. She believed in me before I believed in myself.
Colonel Jill Morgenthaler led by example, so I challenge myself and you to do the same for others—and continue her legacy. Take a listen: https://youtu.be/QUQsqBqxoR4
About Lynn
After not singing for 35 years – in a moment of madness – I answered an ad to be a singer in a Rock’n’Roll band… and got the gig. I share my story about how stepping out of my comfort zone and getting a little outrageous has changed my life.
I want everyone I reach to experience the same transformation through the “GoGaGaTM” process I’ve developed to help attendees Unleash THEIR “Inner Superstar” and realize that it’s never too late to bust through their fears to perform at levels they never thought possible. My talk takes people from “I can’t” to “I can” in 45 to 60 minutes – with my special brand of entertainment with a message. Click here to download my speaker one-sheet, and book me for your next event.