First Iraq War Vet in Congress

In 2007, Patrick became the nation's first Iraq War Veteran elected to Congress, representing Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district. He authored several groundbreaking pieces of legislation into law including the 21st Century GI Bill, the Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and the raising of the federal minimum wage. Continuing public service today, he was appointed to the National US Cyberspace Solarium Commission, as well as Distinguished Chair of Innovation at West Point, and supports fellow veterans entering political public service through Kennedy Democrats and Taking the Hill.

Co-founder of Kennedy Democrats

Co-founded by the Honorable Patrick J. Murphy and former congressional candidate Scott Wallace, Kennedy Democrats draws inspiration from the legacy of Kennedy family Democrats. Through candidate mentorship, young voter engagement, extensive communications work, and contributions to targeted races across the state, Kennedy Democrats seeks to amplify the efforts of the democratic party throughout Pennsylvania and to inspire the next generation to get involved in political service.

Learn more about Kennedy Democrats

ACTING SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

Patrick led the U.S. Army – a Fortune 2-sized workforce of 1.3 million, with a $148 billion budget, and the nation's largest employer of millenials. He led the expansion of the Soldier for Life initiative, was instrumental in achieving recruitment goals for the first time in five years, and generated over $250 million in public-private partnerships. He initiated opening up over 2,500 AAFES retail stores for the first-ever, tax-free online shopping which has increased annual sales to over $6.7 billion.

History of Service

Patrick was born into a family of veterans. His father Jack served in the Navy, his uncles Joe and Bill served in Vietnam, and his brother J.J. served in the Air Force, with two post-9/11 overseas deployments. 

Patrick continued this tradition, enlisting in the United States Army ROTC program at age 19. He would serve two deployments following September 11th—the first to Bosnia in 2002 and the second to Iraq from 2003 through 2004 as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, which included leading a Brigade Operational Law Team and successfully prosecuting two high-level terrorists in the Supreme Court of Iraq. 

Co-founder of workmerk

As a proud “Vetrepreneur,” Patrick currently serves as Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of WorkMerk, a company that provides tech-based business solutions to ensure employees are recruited, retained, and truly engaged. Partnering with fellow “Vetrepreneur” and Army Veteran John New, they are quickly becoming thought leaders for 2.3 million Veteran-owned businesses across America.

Learn more about WorkMerk

Investing in Veterans

Patrick is passionate about helping his fellow veterans realize their entrepreneurial dreams. That’s why he serves as a general partner at the Stony Lonesome Group, a venture capital firm that provides seed funding to companies owned or managed by veterans. More than 90% of the firm’s investments—which total $12 million—support “Vetrepreneurs.” 

Learn more about Stony Lonesome Group

Health Care Innovator

Patrick currently chairs the Government Advisory Board of the Cerner Corporation, which supports the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs in modernizing their electronic health records. The initiative—which represents the largest health care transformation in the VA’s history—will create a more patient-focused experience for both veterans and active duty personnel while safeguarding their privacy. He also serves as an advisor to Northwell Health, the largest health care provider for veterans in New York State outside the VA, with 23 hospitals and 700 outpatient facilities that serve more than two million people each year. 

Board Leadership

Patrick serves on several boards where he works to strengthen America’s military and support its service members. As a board member of the PsychArmor Institute and ambassador for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hire Our Heroes initiative, he has promoted veteran education, recruitment, and retention efforts at companies such as Comcast, Toyota, and Microsoft. Patrick also serves as a board member of Psych Hub (2019-present), Widener University (2017-present), Homes for Our Troops (2017-present), and, previously, of the United States Military Academy at West Point Board of Visitors (2011-15). 

CHAMPION FOR MENTAL HEALTH

In 2020, Patrick partnered with the Life Aid Research Institute and broadcaster Al Roker to develop Life Aid: A Story of Hope. This national TV special, which aired on the Discovery Network, profiled veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers recovering from mental trauma suffered in the line of duty. The special built upon Patrick’s longstanding efforts to address the urgent need of advancing mental health care for veterans.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Patrick uses his own experiences as military veteran to discuss how to live a purpose driven life, the grit it takes to win, and successful entrepreneurship. Drawing from his time in combat, his heroic efforts during the 2015 Amtrak crash, and his national success in public and private life, he challenges audiences to dig deeper to unlock their potential. Patrick is an inspirational speaker sought after by corporate boards, colleges, and other organizations, and is represented by CAA Speakers who can be reached here.

TV personality

Patrick has produced and hosted shows that spread awareness of the crucial challenges facing our nation’s veterans. He’s served as a host and executive producer for several programs, including: Taking The Hill (MSNBC, 2011-2015), which highlighted the struggles and resilience of wounded veterans and their families; and The Triumph Games (CBS Sports, 2015-2016), where ten disabled veterans competed to overcome extreme physical and mental challenges. He’s also hosted Built for a Hero, which features the compelling journey of severely injured veterans and their families as their “forever home” is constructed by Homes For Our Troops. 

Founder of Taking the Hill Productions

Patrick founded Taking the Hill Productions, a Clio & Sherwood Award-winning company that specializes in sharing the stories of military veterans through television, film, and digital content. His projects include: Unconquered (Epix, 2018), Almost Sunrise (PBS, 2017), and Thank You For Your Service (Dreamworks/Universal Films, 2017).