TED is a nonprofit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.” At 18 minutes or less, TEDTalks are designed to stimulate dialogue between the thinkers and doers from the worlds of technology, entertainment and design. TEDx events share the same spirit but are planned and coordinated independently, giving communities the opportunity to stimulate the dialogue they need at their local level.

“We thought this was a good time to take a moment and reflect on why we serve,” said Lt. Col. Matthew J. Whiat, TEDxScottAFB team lead, “There’s a lot of uncertainty in what the future holds for our military and it’s easy to get bogged down in rumor and hearsay.”

TEDxScott AFB was created to inspire the military and civilian communities through compelling stories of service, said Whiat.

The event emcee will be author Simon Sinek, whose book “Start with Why” and TEDx talk “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” are on the 2012 Chief of Staff Reading List, the first list to include TEDTalks.

“Our speakers come from a variety of backgrounds. They are poets, doctors, lawyers, pilots, explosive ordnance disposal technicians, business and charity workers, former CMSgts and Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force,” said Whiat. “They are military commanders, authors, think tank presidents and founders of non-profit organizations working to improve conditions in third world countries.

“They are all very accomplished in their respective fields,” said Whiat. “But they received an invite to participate in the first-ever U.S. Air Force TEDx event because they all have a deep burning desire to make a difference in the lives of others.”