Dakota Meyer was born and raised in Columbia, KY and is a father of two beautiful daughters. In 2006, Dakota enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in high school, and completed his basic training at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot later that year. In 2007 Dakota became one of the youngest school trained snipers in the Marine Corps. He deployed twice to combat: in 2007 to Iraq, and in 2009-10 to Afghanistan. For his actions on his last deployment to Afghanistan, Dakota became the first living United States Marine in 41 years to receive the Medal of Honor. After leaving the military Dakota has continued his passion for serving. He is an Entrepreneur that founded Own The Dash and Flipside Canvas. He is also the New York Times best-selling author of the book, Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau for lectures, he addresses inspiration, motivation, courage, leadership, believing in yourself, doing what is right, and what happened that day in Afghanistan. Dakota currently serves in the Individual Ready Reserve of the US Marine Corps Reserve. #OTD