Dave Roever grew up in a loving, committed family in South Texas.  The last thing on his mind was going to war.  At the height of the Vietnam War, he received his draft notice.  Having no desire to serve in the infantry, he joined the Navy and served as a river boat gunner in the elite Brown Water Black Beret in Vietnam.

Eight months into his tour of duty in Vietnam, Roever was burned beyond recognition when a phosphorous grenade he was poised to throw exploded in his hand.  The ordeal left him hospitalized for fourteen months, where he underwent numerous major surgeries.  His survival and life are miraculous.

Today, with his humorous style, Dave Roever is enthusiastically received both nationally and internationally as a public speaker.  He is a gifted communicator and speaks in a variety of settings including public schools; military installations; business, men’s and youth conventions; etc.  Dave is a frequent guest on national television talk shows.  He established compassionate, ongoing mission work in Vietnam and is involved in other nations.

In every setting, Mr. Roever’s message is one of hope.  Using his life as an example, he addresses issues relevant to his audience and presents concrete solutions to life’s problems.  Often drawing upon his war experiences of loneliness, peer pressure, disfigurement and pain, as well as life’s triumphs, Dave weaves a message of courage, commitment and survival that touches and transforms those who hear him.  The foundation of his hope is his faith, supported by the wholesome relationships with his parents, wife, children and grandchildren.

Thirty-four years after his injuries, the Department of the Navy corrected its oversight by awarding Dave his Purple Heart, along with several other service medals.  Because of his war-time experience of service, injury and recovery, he is uniquely qualified to speak to the needs of military personnel.  He is called upon regularly to address troops on domestic military bases as well as those deployed in Iraq and other locations around the globe. 

In May 2005, Dave was awarded an honorary doctor degree in recognition of his remarkable life and service.

Dave Roever is founder, chairman, and president of two non-profit corporations: Roever and Associates and Roever Educational Assistance Programs (REAP) based in Fort Worth, Texas.  Dave and his wife, Brenda, are co-founders of Eagles Summit Ranch - Roever Learning and Resource Center, near Westcliffe, Colorado, where Dave, Brenda, and team train wounded warriors, others from the U.S. military, and talented young leaders in areas of specific focus such as public speaking, and marital and emotional recovery after devastating injury, helping them to fulfill their destinies.

    FAMILY

    Wife: Brenda Roever

    Children: Matthew Roever, Kimberly Chapin

    Grandchildren: Kali Chapin, Colby Roever, Austin Roever, Kennedi Chapin

    MILITARY SERVICE

    1968 - 1971 U.S. Navy, Special Warfare Division, with a tour of duty in Vietnam; injured in Vietnam in July 1969

    MILITARY AWARDS

    National Defense Service Medal

     Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation

     Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon

     (Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color, with Palm)

     Purple Heart Medal

     Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation

     Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

     (Gallantry Cross Medal, Color, with Palm)

     with 1960 device Vietnam Service Medal with 3

     bronze stars