Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, a motivational speaker, author, and advocate for veterans and amputees, will speak at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts on Monday, November 9, 2026. at 6 p.m.
Mills served with the 82nd Airborne Division and was on patrol in Afghanistan during his third tour of duty when he was injured by an improvised explosive device, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.
With extraordinary strength and courage, Mills continued to overcome life’s challenges, breaking physical barriers and defying odds. His New York Times bestselling memoir, “Tough as They Come,” chronicles his remarkable journey. The book is currently available for sale in bookstores everywhere. Sharing his experiences through speaking engagements and advocacy work, Mills inspires audiences nationwide to confront adversity and to move forward despite difficult circumstances.
The event, part of the Ocean County College Foundation’s Blauvelt Speaker Series, is presented in partnership with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. A free livestream is also available.
“The Blauvelt Speaker Series continues to bring extraordinary voices and meaningful conversations to our community,” said Foundation Executive Director Kenneth J. Malagiere. “We are delighted to once again partner with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in presenting Travis Mills and sharing his remarkable story of resilience, service, and determination with audiences across Ocean County.”
Tickets for the presentation may be reserved through the Grunin Center Box Office. For more information, visit grunincenter.org or call 732-255-0500.
About the Blauvelt Speaker Series
The Ocean County College Foundation welcomes distinguished speakers whose achievements, experiences, and ideas encourage audiences to see the world from new perspectives. The Blauvelt Speaker Series is funded in part by the generosity of the late Bradford Thomas and Eleanor G. Blauvelt and the Wintrode Family Foundation. Additional sponsors for the 2026-27 series include Stella and Marshall Kern, Keynote Sponsor; and Student Ticket Sponsors The Citta Foundation, Arlene and Frank Dupignac, Jr., New Jersey Natural Gas, Rotem Dental Care, and Vision Financial Services.
About the Ocean County College Foundation
Since 1965, the OCC Foundation has proudly served the Ocean County College community, awarding over $25 million in scholarships and special program funding for deserving students. The generosity of our donors continues to make a lasting impact, supporting initiatives like the Helping Hands Food Pantry, the Blauvelt Speaker Series, the Grunin Center for the Arts, the Global Travel Experience, the Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC), the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Viking Athletics, and many more college and student-led initiatives. For more information, visit occfoundation.org.