Pasha Palanker takes flight and OWNS his journey!

is an American veteran, mental health advocate, and resilience coach whose life story is as powerful as his message.

Pasha's Journey

Early Journey & Military Service 

• Immigrating from Moldova at age 15, Pasha arrived in the U.S. with a deep gratitude toward his new country.Motivated to give back, he enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after finishing high school, eventually serving in Iraq where he took part in counter-IED operations, encountered a suicide bomber face-to-face, and survived multiple IED blasts. His valor earned him two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor. 

Battling Invisible Wounds 

• Despite outward strength, the toll of combat revealed itself later. Pasha grappled with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), pushing through emotional breakdowns, struggles with anger, and suicidal ideation. After fighting to stay in the fight, he eventually sought treatments from specialized TBI/PTSD programs, slowly rebuilding with the support of his family.

Transformation & Advocacy 

• Through therapy, meditation, and fitness, he reclaimed his life and began sharing his journey publicly. Suddenly, his videos began getting millions of views, and he discovered his calling: helping fellow veterans heal.

Today, Pasha is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and personal growth coach, focusing on emotional resilience, mental wellness, and thriving through adversity.

Through his work with organizations, he partners with nonprofits and veteran service groups, addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for compassionate support systems.  

He’s also the force behind impactful community-building initiatives, including skydiving events, symbolic acts of parachuting into football stadiums, NASCAR events, and commercials featuring the American flag, all aimed at promoting healing and connection among veterans.

Signature Message 

Pasha encourages his audiences with two powerful words: “Keep going.” His story is a testament to transforming trauma into purpose—cultivating resilience through the darkest of times and becoming a beacon of hope for others.