Resilience is something members of the water community know well—whether in our infrastructure, in our communities, or in our personal lives. At WEFTEC 2025, that theme takes center stage with keynote speaker Travis Mills, retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, author, and founder of the Travis Mills Foundation.
Mills is one of only five servicemen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive as a quadruple amputee. On his third tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2012, he was critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), losing portions of both arms and both legs. Through extraordinary courage, determination, and an unshakable will to live, Mills has transformed his experience into a powerful message of perseverance: “Never give up. Never quit.”
At WEFTEC’s Opening General Session, attendees will gain inspiration to face challenges with renewed strength and perspective. Mills’ story demonstrates how resilience, adaptability, and community can fuel progress—qualities that echo throughout the water sector.
