Navy Cross recipient · U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Leadership forged under fire.
Aubrey L. McDade Jr. turns 18 years of service into keynotes, mentorship and a book about courage, sacrifice and the decision to keep moving forward.
Founder of REAL DEAL®, formerly LIFE Changer 365.
NAVY CROSS RECIPIENT
The Wars We're Given
An American Hero Story
by Aubrey L. McDade Jr.· Navy Cross recipient · U.S. Marine Corps veteran
The definitive biography of an American hero. A powerful narrative of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.
Read more about The Wars We're Given
The story
Service came first.
Aubrey served 18 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and received the Navy Cross for his actions in Fallujah. The lessons from that day shape everything he teaches about courage and responsibility.
Read the full story
The mission
Now he builds what comes next.
Through REAL DEAL®, formerly LIFE Changer 365, Aubrey pairs honest relationships with practical coaching and real opportunities for veterans and young people.
Explore REAL DEAL®
On stage
Leadership Forged Under Fire
From Fortune 500 boardrooms to schools and veterans organizations, Aubrey delivers keynotes on resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity that leave audiences inspired to take action.
Nationwide
Keynotes delivered
Across the country
Audiences
Keynote topics
What Aubrey speaks on
Leadership under pressure
Clear standards, ownership and calm decisions when it matters most.
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Resilience and recovery
How to keep moving after loss, injury and setbacks.
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Veterans and transition
Turning service into purpose in the next chapter.
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Youth mentorship
Discipline, accountability and real opportunity for young people.
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Follow along
Ideas worth sharing. Stories worth following.
See Aubrey’s messages on resilience, service, and what it takes to move forward. Open any post to view it directly on Instagram.
REAL DEAL® · The Art of Becoming
Building what comes next, together.
REAL DEAL®, formerly LIFE Changer 365, is Aubrey's charity. It pairs veterans and young people with the people, coaching and chances they need to become who they are meant to be.
Honest relationships
Mentors who show up and tell the truth.
Practical coaching
Skills and habits for work and life.
Real opportunities
Doors opened for veterans and young people.
Book Aubrey
Bring a Navy Cross Marine to your stage.
Real stories from Fallujah, turned into practical lessons on courage, accountability and leading people through hard moments. Tell us about your event and the team will follow up to confirm availability.
See topics, formats and the full booking formFAQ
Aubrey McDade Jr. at a glance
Who is Aubrey L. McDade Jr.?
Aubrey L. McDade Jr. is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, Iraq War combat veteran and Navy Cross recipient, the author of The Wars We're Given, a keynote speaker on leadership and resilience, and the founder of REAL DEAL® (formerly LIFE Changer 365).
Why did Aubrey McDade Jr. receive the Navy Cross?
For extraordinary heroism on November 11, 2004, during the Second Battle of Fallujah, when he crossed an alley under heavy machine gun fire three times to pull wounded Marines out of the kill zone. The award was first a Silver Star and was upgraded to the Navy Cross.
How do I book Aubrey to speak?
Use the booking form on https://aubreymcdadejr.com/speaking or the short form on the home page, or email hello@aubreymcdadejr.com. The team replies to confirm availability.
What is REAL DEAL®?
REAL DEAL® (formerly LIFE Changer 365) was founded by Aubrey L. McDade Jr. It helps veterans and young people ages 12 to 21 build a strong future through honest relationships, practical coaching, and real opportunities.
Stay connected
Get updates and inspiration
Stories of resilience, leadership insights and news about Aubrey's work, about once a month.