Robert Paley is a retired Army officer and a West Point graduate who recently published a book titled “The Last Salute: The True Story of a West Point Cadet’s Dream to Honor His Dying Father.” Robert has been seeking a new government-service job since his retirement and has learned the hard way that it’s more than about just finding a job but finding the right job for you. Robert will share his principles he learned in his quest to attend West Point and how those same principles-which he also used in Afghanistan in 2009-helped him throughout his career afterwards. Robert will share his inspiring story of hope and perseverance during the July Transition Café meeting.

Meet This Month’s Speaker

Robert Paley

Robert Paley graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1989, fulfilling his dying fathers dream. After an 8-year break in service, Robert volunteered to join the Ohio Army National Guard after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. In 2009, Robert deployed to Afghanistan as the executive officer of a 28-man team selected to train an Afghan infantry battalion in combat operations.

In December 2018, Robert attended the Save a Warrior program in Newark, Ohio- an experiential based PTSD program which helps combat veterans and first responders reintegrate back into society. Prior to Save a Warrior, Robert had been trying to write his book about his West Point experience for 20 years. After Save a Warrior, the book was completed in just seven weeks.

Robert completed his book on February 10, 2019 and retired one day later after 20 years of active duty service to the nation.