Everyone Has A Voice,
Make Sure Yours Is Heard
Some stories are hard to tell. Mine begins on the battlefield, where a sniper’s bullet ended my military career and changed everything I thought I knew about strength, identity, and survival.
Following my injury, I was reassigned to the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) at Fort Carson, Colorado—a unit designated to support wounded soldiers during their recovery. While there, I was promoted to the rank of E-5 and assigned to Charge of Quarters (CQ) duty, a 24-hour post responsible for monitoring and securing the barracks. During these shifts, I frequently encountered fellow soldiers unconscious in their rooms—often the result of mixing prescription medications with alcohol. The challenges within the unit were so severe that they drew national attention, culminating in an investigation by The New York Times.
In 2010, I was medically retired from the U.S. Army and returned home to Rochester, New York. Like many veterans, I struggled to navigate the transition to civilian life. I eventually found support through the Warrior Salute Program, an initiative designed to help veterans reintegrate into society. It was there that I began participating in group therapy with other veterans—many of whom were battling severe PTSD, substance use disorders, and the aftermath of suicide attempts.
In those sessions, I noticed a common thread: many of us didn’t know how to articulate our pain, explain our trauma, or advocate for the support we needed. I began speaking up—not just for myself, but for others in the room. My voice became a bridge, and my peers appreciated having someone who could express what they were feeling but couldn’t yet say.
That experience became the foundation for Lion Speaking Agency. The “LION” represents the courage it takes to stand before an audience and share the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. Today, as a keynote speaker, I continue that mission—amplifying the voices of both veterans and civilians, and fostering understanding through storytelling, advocacy, and lived experience.
Today, I stand not just as a Keynote Speaker, but as a messenger of hope for veterans, mental health survivors, and anyone who’s ever felt broken. My message is simple:
You are not alone. It’s not your fault. And help is available.
Book David Kendrick, Jr. to bring an unforgettable story of resilience, recovery, and redemption to your next event.
A Hero On And Off The Battlefield
David served on Active Duty in the United States Army from 2005 - 2010. In 2007 he was shot in both legs by a sniper at the age of 20. It Took David a total of 3 years and 14 surgeries to recover from these injuries.
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After being medically discharged from the military he began to share his mental health battle in therapy sessions. He took his passion for professional speaking from group therapy to the big stage, starting Lion Speaking Agency in the process.
Mental Health Topics
Mental Health is my topic of choice when it comes to professional speaking. My experience stems from my various experiences in life: being a veteran, transitioning to civilian life, the challenges that African Americans face, battling suicide, and much more.
After being injured in Iraq, I stayed in the hospital for three months.
After being injured in Iraq, I stayed in the hospital for three months. It was here that my addiction to opioids began. I speak about how opioid addiction starts, the reasoning behind addiction, and how opioid addiction impacts our mental and physical health.
David cares about other veterans who suffer from mental illness.
He is certified in Mental Health First Aid which gives him the tools necessary to assist someone experiencing a mental health emergency. Mental Health First Training gives David the tools to talk about recognizing symptoms and offering help to someone experiencing a mental health emergency.
20 - 22 veterans a day die from suicide according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
David has battled suicide and now dedicates his life to suicide prevention in the veteran community.
Mental Illness is a topic that people shy away from.
David talks about this topic for those who aren't comfortable talking about it. The "Lion" in Lion Speaking Agency is about making your voice heard and roaring your message until everyone hears it. That is the attention David wants to bring to mental illness.