A weathered FDNY sweatshirt tells stories of bravery. The silhouette of the Twin Towers on its patch represents the 2,977 American lives lost on 9/11 – a constant reminder of purpose that Mike Wang carried throughout his deployment in Afghanistan. At the Senior Living Innovation Forum, Wang, now founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Inspiren, chose to share three powerful stories he'd never before revealed publicly. His decision to finally tell these stories stemmed from a deep respect for senior living leaders and their unwavering commitment to serving residents through unprecedented challenges.
Three Stories of Purpose
Standing before an audience of senior living CXOs, Wang revealed how his seven years as a Green Beret in the elite 5th Special Forces Group – the first unit deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11 – shaped his understanding of service, resilience, and compassion. Through three gripping stories, he illustrated the power of unwavering commitment, resourceful innovation, and transformative inspiration.
From Battlefield to Healthcare
The first took the audience through the grueling crucible of Green Beret selection in North Carolina's unforgiving swamps, where candidates faced a tempting choice between comfort and purpose. His second story transported listeners to the mountains of Afghanistan, where his unit became known as the "Horse Soldiers" – the first U.S. troops in a century to ride horseback into battle. Finally, he shared a deeply personal account of meeting a young Afghan woman whose dream of becoming a nurse, despite overwhelming odds, ultimately inspired his own path into healthcare.
Lessons for Senior Living
For senior living leaders, Wang's experiences resonated deeply with their own daily challenges. They too face moments that test their resolve, require creative solutions with limited resources, and demand unwavering commitment to those in their care. Having walked through numerous senior living communities, Wang recognized the same qualities he witnessed in combat – courage, commitment, and compassion – in caregivers who dance with residents, hold their hands, and preserve their dignity.
You can enjoy Mike’s inspiring talk below...
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