Veterans Speaks — Honoring Service Through Story
Hosted by West Suburban Veterans District in partnership with 22Mohawks
In honor of Veterans Day, join us for a powerful day of connection, storytelling, and community.
Ten veterans will each have 10 minutes to share a meaningful part of their life journey — unfiltered and from the heart. This event is inspired by Sebastian Junger’s Vets Town Halls and is open to all community members.
Event Details
Veterans Speaks
📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Needham Cath, 300 Hillside Ave, Needham, MA
🎙 Space for 10 speakers
Optional Writing & Speaking Course
Prepare your story or simply sharpen your skills in a supportive environment. This 5-week virtual course is optional but highly recommended — especially for selected speakers. It is open to anyone, whether you’re speaking at the event or not.
📅 Sundays, September 28 – October 26, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM EST (1 hour)
📍 Online via Zoom (link will be sent after registration)
How to Participate
We have three separate sign-up options — please choose the ones that apply to you:
Apply to Speak - If you are a veteran and would like to share your story, please apply using the link below. Complete the speaker application to be considered for one of the 10 available presentation spots.
We recommend submitting a short paragraph on why you’d like to participate to Stacey (
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Sign Up for the Writing & Speaking Course - This course is optional but highly recommended for selected speakers. Open to all. Register for the 5-week virtual course to help you craft, refine, and deliver your story with impact.
Attend as a Guest - Be part of the audience and experience the day’s powerful stories. Reserve your free ticket to attend the event in person and support our veterans.
Featured Guest: Ayman Kafel
Combat Veteran | Law Enforcement Leader | Author | Founder of Project Sapient
Ayman Kafel is a U.S. Army combat veteran and seasoned law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in high-risk operations, counterterrorism, and tactical leadership. From surviving two civil wars as a child to translating for U.S. forces in Iraq and fighting Al-Qaeda on the battlefield, Ayman’s life has been defined by resilience, service, and an unyielding commitment to protecting others.
As a police sergeant, he has served in numerous specialized roles — including SWAT, DEA Task Force Officer, plainclothes interdiction, and DEA Special Response Team member — leading with both precision and purpose. His operational experience is backed by a multidisciplinary academic foundation, holding degrees in psychology, anthropology, sociology, criminal justice, and a Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism.
Ayman is the founder of Project Sapient, a training and consulting company that integrates neuroscience, human intelligence (HUMINT), and stress physiology to optimize performance for military and law enforcement professionals. He also hosts the Project Sapient Podcast, exploring the intersection of leadership, stress, and the warrior mindset.
In addition to his work in the field, Ayman is a published author and contributing writer for Havok Journal and other respected publications, offering raw, unfiltered perspectives grounded in lived experience. His mission: to develop elite professionals who are tactically sound, mentally resilient, and capable of leading with compassion and integrity.
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