kyle t. gourlie
Chef and Entrepreneur | Seattle, Washington
Kyle Gourlie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2004 and served as a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Deployed to Ramadi in 2005, he operated in one of the war’s most dangerous combat zones where he sustained serious injuries, including multiple broken vertebrae and a traumatic brain injury. He was medically retired as a lance corporal in 2008 following extensive rehabilitation.
During his recovery, Gourlie discovered cooking as part of his physical and occupational therapy, a new path that offered focus and direction as he transitioned out of the military. He pursued formal training in culinary management at the Art Institute of Seattle, graduating in 2013 and committing fully to a new mission built around food and service.
That mission became The Vet Chef, a Seattle-based food truck specializing in California-style Mexican cuisine. Built around Marine Corps values of teamwork and accountability, the business employs and mentors veterans and their families, creating pathways to civilian careers while fostering community and purpose.
Beyond the kitchen, Gourlie is an outspoken advocate for veteran mental health, recovery and entrepreneurship. He has shared his story through VA platforms and public forums, speaking candidly about PTSD, rehabilitation and the power of meaningful work in rebuilding life after combat. Recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a “Veteran of the Day,” he continues to use entrepreneurship as a tool for connection, resilience and second chances.
General james "jim" mattis
Retired Four-Star Marine, Former U.S. Secretary of Defense | Washington
James “Jim” Mattis served more than four decades in the United States Marine Corps, earning a reputation as one of the most intellectually respected and principled military leaders of his generation. Commissioned via ROTC after studying history at Central Washington University, Mattis rose through every level of command, combining operational experience with a deep commitment to military ethics, preparation and strategic thought.
His career included some of the most significant commands of the post–Cold War era. Mattis led the 1st Marine Division during the opening phase of the 2003 Iraq invasion and later commanded U.S. Central Command, overseeing military operations across the Middle East and Central Asia. Known for demanding clarity of purpose and disciplined leadership, he consistently emphasized restraint, alliance-building and responsibility in the use of force.
In 2017, Mattis was appointed the 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense, confirmed by an almost unanimous Senate vote. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening military readiness, reaffirming U.S. commitments to NATO and advancing a deliberate, alliance-based approach to global security. His steady, principle-driven leadership shaped defense policy during a period of global and political instability.
Since leaving office, Mattis has remained active in public life as a corporate board director, policy advisor and distinguished fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. He continues to write, speak and engage on questions of leadership, strategy and the enduring responsibilities of service, leaving a legacy defined as much by intellect and integrity as by rank or command.