The Making Point

"Quite simply, Cedric is a force. His messages of optimism and perseverance, of faith and hard work, apply to all of us, which is why I have invited him to meet my family and speak to groups who face their own hurdles. Cedric’s journey holds timeless lessons that transcend war and apply to struggles we all face. His aspirations will shock you, and no doubt inspire you." Howard Schultz, Chairman Emeritus Starbucks Corporation

“Cedric King is an amazing example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Wounded in Afghanistan, he’s an inspiring US Army soldier who carries a message of hope everywhere he goes as he recounts his own personal journey from the loss of both legs, through the challenges faced during his rehabilitation, to his ultimate triumph over these adversities. His refusal to give up and his never-quit atti-tude inspire all who meet him and I am proud and honored to have Cedric as an ambassador of the Gary Sinise Foundation.” Gary Sinise,Actor, Director, and Musician, Founder, The Gary Sinise Foundation

“I met Cedric at Walter Reed Hospital. He was sitting in a wheel-chair with a drain hose coming out of him, having lost both legs and damaged his arm in an IED blast. He was also suffering PTSD, which affects so many of our service men and women. Despite his injuries, I was immediately taken by Cedric’s spirit. There was more hope in that young man than anyone I’d ever met. I told him: “I’m going to come back and see you.” He didn’t believe me at first, but I meant it. I visited him about ten times, and we developed a friendship over the years. During one visit, I showed him a video of me snowboarding; and I said to him, “Dude, you could do this one day.” He said, “Even if I had the money, I could never do that.” About a year later, he agreed to join me on a ski trip to Chile. For a full week, riding in a bucket seat mounted to a Mono-Ski, Cedric tried and tried to get down the mountain. After banging himself on the ground thirty, forty times, he did it. With grace, courage, and that indomitable spirit, Cedric skied down the Andes like it was nothing. I’m in awe of this man, and proud to call him a friend.” Montel Williams, Television Personality, Radio Talk Show Host, and Actor

“For me, the best teachers and mentors are storytellers. Anyone can preach and quote doctrine from a book, but when speakers have the capacity to move an audience through their words and stories, their influence is profound. Cedric has a story of heroism, service, and perseverance. Combined together, those messages can build compa-nies, inspire self-esteem, fix marriages, and save countries. If I could keep Cedric full-time within my organization, I would. What I have done is scheduled him often—eight speaking events in the last month alone—so his influence can be felt by many. Although he may be too humble to understand this, Cedric changes and saves lives.” Winn Claybaugh, Dean & Cofounder of Paul Mitchell Schools, Author of Be Nice (Or Else!)

“I still remember the first time I saw Cedric speak at a conference. He had an incredible way of inspiring the audience through his personal story and challenges. I’ve had him speak at two of my leadership off-sites since then, and his message still resonates and leaves me ready to take on the world. He is the model for perseverance and for believing anything is possible—in life and in business.” Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO, Chase Consumer Banking

“He is a hero, a leader and an inspiration.” Sean Wolfington, Chairman, Automotive Leadership Roundtable