Montana State hosts decorated Marine veteran in honor of Veterans Day

BOZEMAN - U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rudy Reyes will visit Montana State University on Veterans Day to share his journey of military service and personal transformation.

His talk, titled "Self-Development: A Lifelong Power," will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Norm Asbjornson Hall's Inspiration Hall. It is free and open to community members, who are encouraged to register for the event. MSU's Travis W. Atkins Veteran Support Center will host the talk.

Reyes is an elite reconnaissance operator, actor and motivational speaker. He enlisted in the military at the age of 26 and later received an invitation to join the Reconnaissance Marine Community, one of the most prestigious groups in the Marine Corps, as a special forces operator. Reyes has earned 16 medals and commendations for his service, and his mission in Iraq inspired the HBO series "Generation Kill." His film and television career also includes Fox's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" show and the Emmy-nominated "Once Upon a Time in Iraq" documentary series.

On Veterans Day, Reyes will share his experience with personal growth on and off the battlefield, including how self-discipline, resilience and purpose can empower people to lead meaningful lives.

"Having Rudy Reyes join us at Montana State University on Veterans Day is truly special," said Todd Bucher, director of the Travis W. Atkins Veteran Support Center. "His story of service, sacrifice and personal transformation reflects the strength and resilience we see every day in our veteran and military-connected students. Rudy's message of discipline, purpose and lifelong growth reminds us that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off: It continues in how we live, lead and support one another."