"Master motivator" speaks at annual prayer breakfast

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Dan Clark, known as the "master motivator," revved up the audience with a variety of adventurous tales at the annual national prayer breakfast here Feb. 25.

Before sharing about his lifetime of unique experiences, Clark let the audience know there was something different about them, because they took the time to be there, hear an inspirational speaker and honor the spiritual aspect of life.

"Who are you really," Clark asked the crowd. "My theology reminds me this land we call America was founded by inspiration."

The speaker said he witnessed a "minimum-quality mediocrity" type of work ethic outside the military gates where people don't live by the same core values as Airmen; integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

"For 60 years we've had a national prayer breakfast to recognize the founding principles of our nation," said Brig. Gen. David Harris, the 96th Test Wing commander. "We celebrate a diversity of faith and include everyone just as we have a diversity of missions on Team Eglin."

The diversity was shown at the breakfast with a Jewish, Islamic and Christian traditional reading. Each one focused on bearing fruit by doing righteous deeds during the short span of life.

"The same god who made you made me," was repeatedly said by Clark as an mindset he holds in dealing with a variety of people in a variety of ways.

According to his biography, Clark has a list of personal titles, but one professional title of President and CEO of Clark Success Systems, an international consulting firm. Best-selling author, athlete, professor, patriot, adventurer, journalist, philanthropist and songwriter are among the few on the list. Clark also touts being one of 195 professional or celebrity speakers in the National Speakers Association Speakers Hall of Fame.

"I come away from hearing Clark speak refreshed and feeling like I can make a difference to those I come into contact with," said Sue Stanley who came to the prayer breakfast to see the speaker she has heard before at numerous professional development seminars. "He has the ability to reach out and touch people at their level."

Clark never wore the uniform, but serves on the Air Force National Civic Leader Board. The military became Clark's interest after a Navy speaking event in 1999 led him to meet pilots, who gave him his first incentive ride. Shortly after that, he became immersed in the Air Force way of life as an honorary wing commander at Hill AFB, Utah, and continued to support the military in many ways.

"We create an environment here today that doesn't exist outside these walls," Clark said about Eglin's breakfast.

He acknowledged the issues facing military members are recognized in news stories from negative angles. However, the speaker encouraged the crowd to "celebrate what makes America great" and not to take freedom and opportunity for granted.

Clark's speaking career launched after his resilient turnaround from paralyzing football injuries, but he said he couldn't complain about his medical challenges when he sees the sacrifice a military member makes for the nation.

"Because of the society we live in, we cannot afford to wait for someone to tell us or show us we are needed," Clark said. "Regardless of what happens with job security, we can always control what happens next. Our lives can matter right now."

He challenged the audience to seek commitment relationships with people and be there for others.

"Clark's message challenges us to go beyond our feelings and know there is more when we go beyond ourselves," said 96th Test Wing Chaplain (Capt.) Curtis Jetton.