Exclusive Speaker Representation

Highly decorated, Fighter Pilot, Business and Civic Leader, 5 year Sunday Columnist, The Third Degree, Author, Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton; Former NATO Chief of Staff and 6 ½ year POW in North Vietnam.

Described as a leader who embodies resilience, service, and unwavering commitment under the most challenging circumstances, John Borling offers audiences a rare and deeply personal perspective on leadership, courage, and the power of the human spirit. Drawing from combat service, the years of captivity and worldwide, senior military and civilian leadership positions, he speaks with authenticity, humility, and humor—delivering insights that inspire, uplift, and resonate long after his presentations conclude.

A distinguished military and civilian leader, fighter pilot, author, poet and inspirational voice on service, character, and leadership, General Borling (call sign Viking) has devoted his life to defending American ideals and encouraging others to pursue lives of purpose and commitment.

A south side Chicago guy, he graduated from the Air Force Academy and his 33-year career featured worldwide duty, in war and peace, with senior command and strategic leadership roles at the highest levels of military operations. A command pilot, he flew a wide range of aircraft—including the F-4 Phantom, F-15 Eagle, F16 Viper, SR-71 Blackbird, TR1 (U-2) reconnaissance aircraft, B-52 and B-1 bombers, tankers and command and control aircraft. He commanded fighter, bomber, tanker, missile, and support units across the globe

Flying his 97th combat mission deep over North Vietnam, his aircraft was shot down by ground fire. Seriously injured, he was captured while trying to evade. He was prisoner of war for six and a half years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. During captivity, he mentally composed and memorized poems he shared among fellow POWs via a forbidden tap code, helping sustain morale and resilience under extraordinary hardship..

Following release in 1973, John resumed service with distinction. He served as a White House Fellow, commanded the legendary “Hat in the Ring” fighter squadron, held key operational command and staff assignments at the Pentagon (Chief of Checkmate), Air Division Commander and, later head of all operations in Strategic Air Command. He concluded his military career in NATO as Senior American officer in Scandinavia and Chief of Staff, Headquarters North overseeing multinational and multi service operations and cooperation at military and diplomatic levels. He was the principal architect of that command. He is the only American officer to be personally recognized by the King of Norway and awarded status as a commander in the prestigious King’s Order of Merit.

A highly decorated officer, Borling honors also include: The Silver Star, multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses, Three Bronze Stars with Valor, Rwo Purple Hearts, and the Prisoner of War Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Borling continued serving in civilian leadership roles, including CEO of United Way and involvement in business and medical research initiatives. He later founded Service Over Self-America (SOS), advocating a year of national service for young Americans. His book, Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton, stands as a moving testament to resilience, faith, and the power of the human spirit.

Today, General Borling is an in demand Keynote speaker/Master of Ceremonies and business coach/consultant to audiences across the country. Blending powerful first hand stories with warmth, humor and life lessons, General Borling engages and connects with audiences to inspire, entertain, energize, and deeply move.