Meet Kevin Zimmerman of ATFE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Zimmerman.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kevin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In Dec 1995, while serving in the US Army, I deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina. On January 14, 1996, I went on a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) mission to evacuate 9 Swedish soldiers whose vehicle struck an anti-tank mine. As the soldiers exited the vehicle they began stepping on anti-personnel mines. The only way to extricate the soldiers was to voluntarily walk into the landmine field and bring them out. I, along with another American soldier made the decision to do so.

On April 4, 1996, 2 Russian soldiers were walking away from their compound when they stepped on landmines. Again, I was on duty, flew to the sight and walked into the landmine field to retrieve the soldiers.

The mine missions earned me two Soldiers Medals. The Soldiers Medal is the highest award given by Congress for an act of bravery when our nation is not declared at war.

In April 2008, I had my book published titled A Time For Everything; The Kevin Zimmerman Story, which highlights these events. Due to the book describing validated military medical involvement in world affairs, the book was accepted into the US Army Department of Military Medicine museum in January 2009, which makes me a permanent fixture in US military history.

Six months after the book was accepted into the AMEDD museum, In June 2009, I was contacted by the Smithsonian Institution of African American History and Culture stating they accept the book into the archives and the library of the Smithsonian, making me a permanent part of American history as well. The book was accepted in the Smithsonian because there is no indication that a Black American male has ever earned 2 Soldiers Medals.

These events provided a platform to establish ATFEKZ and created opportunities to become a radio talk show host, hosting The Kevin Zimmerman Show on The Artist First Radio Network and a career in Public Speaking. I have since had the honor of speaking at numerous venues across the country to include various colleges and universities, businesses and church conferences, school graduations, to include military graduations and at government agencies such as the Social Security Administration.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been smooth. If it were everyone would do it. The publication of the book expanded over a year. Self-marketing is a consistent effort. Learning a new skill communicating as a radio talk show host is not easy and the rigors of meeting speaking engagements can be challenging.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I travel nationwide telling my personal miraculous story and make it applicable to today’s experiences. I show how my experiences can apply to leadership, teamwork, diversity, motivation, and faith. What I am most proud of is knowing, through feedback, that I have had the honor of touching thousands of lives in a positive manner. I believe what sets me apart is the unique ability to show how ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. The demographic expanding. Our city is becoming more and more diverse and various cultures and businesses are finding their way to North Dallas. I would recommend that they remain consistent in their efforts to show the public they are available and an asset if needed.

Pricing:

• Speakers fee $1700 plus travel and lodging expenses

Contact Info:

• Website:Kevinzimmerman.org and www.vbsolutionsonline.com
• Phone:(469) 999-1559
• Facebook:Kevin Zimmerman, Entrepreneur
• Twitter:@atfekz

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.