Jeff O'Leary - Author

Academic Credentials
Col O'Leary completed the Executive Education Program at the Harvard Business School and was selected as a Harvard University National Defense Fellow in 1999 and 2000. He holds Master's Degrees in National Security from the Naval War College and Speech from California State University at Los Angeles. His Bachelor's degree in Speech was earned at California Lutheran University.

Professional Speaking & Writing Credentials
Col O'Leary appears on Fox News regularly as a military analyst on terrorism and Middle East politics, culture and the ever-present crisis in Israel and Iraq. He has appeared on more than 250 television and radio programs, including Robert Schuller's Hour of Power, the 700 Club with Pat Robertson, Janet Parshall's America, INSP Network Specials and Moody's Mid-Day Connection. Col O'Leary shares his own experiences facing terrorism while serving as a Peacekeeper in Northern Israel during the Gulf War. He survived a nightly Iraqi missile barrage and a café bombing while evacuating innocent civilians by day. Jeff's experience of living under the shadow of terrorism help him to connect with audiences in today's troubled times.

Col O'Leary's book, Taking the High Ground--Military Moments with God sold more than 65,000 copies. America out of the Ashes released just after 9/11 climbed and onto the New York Times Bestseller's List. His latest book, Brave Hearts under Red Skies: Stories of Faith under Fire, has been a CBA 2003 Best-Seller. Thomas Nelson signed Jeff to write a leadership series and the first book has recently released. Called The Centurion Principles: Battle Lessons for Frontline Leaders, this book will be followed by The Centurion's Legacy in 2006. These books place the reader in the shoes of great leaders from the beginning of the Millennium through the 20th Century as they made their most difficult decisions.

Colonel O’Leary appeared in “The Price of Freedom,” an INSP special nominated for an Emmy in 2004.

Christian Service Highlights
Col O'Leary is the founder and director of Mission of Joy, a non-profit organization dedicated to easing the plight of homeless children in India. He has overseen the building of 4 orphanages and complete care for hundreds of orphans over the past decade. Mission of Joy supports more than 60 native missionaries in remote villages in India, has built more than 50 churches, operates a widow's home for Christian widows, and feeds thousands of meals to hungry children every week. Each spring, Mission of Joy organizes more than 100 nights of outreach meetings to poor villages in India providing food for both body and spirit.

Military Service Highlights

Col O’Leary served 22 years in the USAF and retired from the Pentagon in 2002. He holds the Legion of Merit, 3 Air Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Battle Stars, the Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 16 others. He served as a UN Peacekeeper and Evacuation Officer in Tel Aviv during the first Gulf War evacuating civilians out of harm’s way inflicted by nightly SCUD attacks. He commanded a flying squadron and was Deputy Group Commander over 3,000 personnel.

Jeff's Family
Jeff and his wife Cindy have been married for 29 years. They have 5 children: Jo Beth, Stephen, Kjerstin, Sean, and Shannon.