A Turkish Army Colonel shares his journey through the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey and the path to a new life in the U.S.

Join us for an inspiring journey as we explore the life of a former West Point cadet, Turkish Army Colonel, and NATO veteran who faced extraordinary challenges and emerged stronger.  Discover how resilience, service, and leadership shaped a life dedicated to promoting democracy, freedom, and veteran empowerment. Expect insights on turning adversity into strength and making a lasting impact.

After surviving the 2016 purge following the coup attempt in Turkey, this remarkable story continues with a bold new beginning in the United States. From rebuilding a life to founding the NATO Veterans Initiative—an organization committed to promoting NATO’s core values of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom through research and veteran empowerment—this session offers a powerful narrative of resilience and purpose. You’ll hear how each critical moment shaped a life devoted to service, advocacy, and community building. 

What to Expect:  Gain deep insights into turning adversity into strength, discovering personal purpose, and the profound connection between military service, education, and leadership. Expect to be inspired by a story that underscores the importance of perseverance, dedication, and making a lasting impact.

Sedat Cevikparmak

Sedat Cevikparmak, Ph.D.

Dr. Sedat Cevikparmak currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors at NATO Veterans Initiative - NAVI. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1997, specializing in Nuclear Engineering and Foreign Area Studies (FAS) with a focus on the Middle East and served as a military officer in the Turkish Army from 1997 to 2016, culminating in his final assignment at the International Military Staff - NATO HQ in Brussels. After concluding his military service, he pursued a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management at the University of North Texas, completing his studies in 2020. He currently serves as the Chair and Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management at DeSales University. Maintaining an active research agenda, Dr. Cevikparmak has made significant contributions to academic journals. His research consistently centers around the exploration of underlying behavioral mechanisms influencing supply chain decisions. Personally, he is married to Suna and is the proud parent of two children.

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