About Our Keynote Speaker: Taya Kyle was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when her husband, Chris Kyle, one of America’s greatest heroes was murdered. Chris’ story was told in the book and movie, American Sniper. Chris did many combat tours for the United States as a Navy SEAL.

Taya continues to rise above her grief and pain with her kids Colton and McKenna Kyle. They use their platforms to not only honor Chris’ life, but to build on what they learned through his life and loss. Taya provides help and hope to those going through tragic times through her non-profit TACK-F, Taya and Chris Kyle Family - Service Marriage Strong, Speaking Engagements and writing. Taya says, "Chris’s death showed me the power of Legacy in a well-lived life. He inspired many and gave me his American Legacy to carry while I began creating my own." She aims to leave a legacy of loving others well while inspiring others to do the same.

Taya became a New York Times best-selling author with her first book, American Wife, and in 2019 released her second book – American Spirit – a collection of short stories chronicling the lives of inspirational people she has met through her travels, all of whom show the American Spirit is as strong as ever.

Her first in a series of Children’s books called Prayers for Bears released in April 2025 with Bailey the Grateful Bear. You can follow her on social media @TayaKyle where she keeps us all updated regarding new projects and helpful tips on Faith, Family and healing.

About the Founders, General Tommy and Cathryn Franks: General Franks storied military career began at a recruiting station in Texas during the Vietnam War, deciding to enlist before he could be drafted. One of the few soldiers in our history that wore the lowest and highest rank in the United States Army. On 9/11 during a stopover in Crete on the way to Pakistan, General Franks career changed forever. With the grit of a seasoned leader, General Franks was able to speak to Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld on the evening of 9/11 sitting in a folding chair on the rooftop of a hotel. Rumsfeld asked General Franks what he says is the most important question ever asked of him

"WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT?"

We all know what General Franks did about it. As the original War on Terror Commander, America saw him lead American and Coalition troops from over 60 different countries in two strategically unprecedented campaigns in two years - Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. Under his leadership, Afghanistan gained the freedom to hold its first ever democratic election, and the citizens of Iraq were free to live without the iron rule of the dictator Saddam Hussein.

Cathryn Franks, a distinguished leader in her own right, is a former social studies teacher, who devoted much of her career to public service while serving various nonprofits whose missions support military families and America’s youth. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Army life took the Franks around the world, but after retiring, they made their home in Oklahoma where they both have deep roots. The Franks believe empowering our young leaders will strengthen our country tomorrow. The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is located in Hobart, OK, which is a short drive from their ranch in Roosevelt, OK. From their vision for a world-class leadership program, Four Star Leadership came to fruition. General Franks believes leaders are not born, they are developed. For the last eighteen years, the Franks’ have been working tirelessly to develop the next generation of leaders who can solve problems, communicate solutions that will propel the world to greater peace, prosperity, and mutual respect while standing firm in their values.

About the Program: Four Star Leadership with General Tommy Franks is a world-class summer leadership program offered through the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum. Since 2008, our elite summer leadership program has welcomed over 1,200 rising sophomore and junior high school students from 49 states, and 67 international students. What sets Four Star Leadership apart from other national leadership institutes is our commitment to provide this unique learning opportunity completely free to all students selected. The Franks Family has a strong desire to make sure each student, no matter their socioeconomic background, be given the same opportunities.

We are proud to continue our tradition of developing the next generation of leaders with our 19th annual Four Star Leadership with General Tommy Franks hosted on the beautiful campus of the University of Central Oklahoma, July 18-24, 2026. During the week, the program will host 79 top high school leaders from around the world. The students will learn the Four Stars of Leadership that General Franks honed during his 38-year military career: Character, Communication, Common Vision and Caring. Through team building exercises, spontaneous problem-solving activities, and personal interactions with inspirational and informative national and international leaders, students develop skills to go out into their communities and lead by example. Students will compete in individual persuasive speech and writing competitions as well as team ethics competitions for a chance to win a portion of more than $40,000 in scholarships.

Students tour the OKC National Memorial & Museum so they can see firsthand the devastation felt on that April day in 1996, but also how the Oklahoma Standard came to light. The students hear from lawmakers in the Oklahoma Capitol, as well as representatives from Oklahoma Tribal Communities in order for students to embrace the value in learning about different heritages and cultures. We challenge our young leaders to head back to their communities with a call to action, much like Secretary Rumsfeld gave General Franks on 9/11 “What Are You Going to Do About It?” Empowered with a fresh perspective on leadership, the courage to step up and make a difference, and the mentorship of our Four Star Leadership staff, Four Star Leaders across our great nation and the world have gone on to make a difference in ways that create a better tomorrow for all of us.

2026 Four Star Leader Banquet Featuring Keynote Speaker Taya Kyle

Join Us For An Evening Honoring The Distinguished Class of 2026 Four Star Leaders