Michael J. Durant is a former Blackhawk pilot and prisoner of war and recipient of many honors including the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart and POW Medal. He is an emotionally-charged, powerful, and motivating account of teamwork and survival. Hear his story first-hand at the closing of Corrugated Week 2022.

Durant is the best-selling author of In the Company of Heroes and the inspiration for the movie Black Hawk Down. He was the sole survivor of the helicopter crash caused by a Somali-fired grenade and held as a prisoner of war for 11 days. Prior to his time in Somalia, Durant had participated in combat operations in the Persian Gulf, Panama, and Kuwait. A highly-decorated soldier, his awards include the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal. He addresses leadership, teambuilding, growth, and his experience as a soldier and as a hostage.