Brian Shul is one of the most popular and dynamic keynote speakers in America today. His compelling story of living fearlessly and embracing the opportunities each day brings, resonates with men and woman of all ages. As an Air Force fighter pilot, Brian was shot down in the Vietnam War and severely burned in the ensuing crash. Initially given up for dead, he was finally rescued and spent one year in hospitals, endured 15 surgeries and was told his flying days were over. Amazingly, Brian returned to active duty flying, became an Airshow Demonstration pilot, went on to become a TOPGUN instructor, and culminated his Air Force career by flying the Top Secret spy plane, the SR-71. Flying the world’s fastest and highest flying aircraft required an astronaut physical and Brian made Air Force history when he passed with no waivers. Brian retired from the Air Force in 1990 and pursued his writing and photography interests.

Brian masterfully uses his aviation slides and stories as a vehicle to tell a broader inspired story of hope, overcoming obstacles and daring to dream. From lying near death in the jungles of Southeast Asia to flying the world’s fastest jet, Brian shares his amazing story in this most unforgettable one-of-a-kind presentation.

Brian Shul

Brian Shul graduated from East Carolina University in 1970 with a degree in History and Anthropology. For the next 20 years he served as an Air Force fighter pilot. During the Viet Nam War he flew 212 close air support missions. Shot down near the Cambodian border, he was unable to eject and forced to ride his plane into the jungle. Severely burned in the ensuing crash, he was given up for dead. Rescued by Special Forces, Brian endured one year in military hospitals where he underwent 15 surgical procedures and was told he would never fly again. After much physical therapy, Brian miraculously returned to active duty flying. He went on to fly the A-7, the A-10, and then instructed at the Air Force’s TopGun School. He culminated his Air Force career by flying our nation’s Top Secret spy plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest aircraft ever built. Brian flew covert missions in the Blackbird for 4 years and was the pilot who provided President Reagan with detailed photos of Libyan terrorist camps in 1986. During that time he became the only SR-71 pilot in history to fly 3 missions on 3 consecutive days. Retiring from the Air Force in1990, Brian pursued his writing and photography interests. He was the first pilot to write a book about flying the Blackbird, completely illustrated with his own photography. This book won Aviation Book of the Year honors and is today the single most popular book on that plane worldwide. He is also the only man to fly extensively with both the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds as a photo-journalist. Brian’s remarkable comeback story has inspired audiences nationwide as he is in high demand as a keynote speaker. Brian is a Spirit of Freedom Award winner, and in 2011 was inducted into the Air Force Legends Hall of Fame. Brian owns Gallery One in California where his nationally acclaimed nature photography is on display.