How to Handle Extreme Stress – Live Online & In-Person with Debra Lewis

Colonel Debra Lewis

Deb Lewis’ father was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veteran who graduated from West Point in 1950.  Deb was born in Frankfurt, Germany, where her father was assigned. She has been on the move ever since!

Growing up, Deb graduated with honors at McLean High School and competitively rode horses (with her Mom) and swam. As their youngest and only girl, Deb’s father and mother included her in all sports activities her brothers did.

All three children chose to serve for a time in the military. Making history, Deb graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (est. 1802) in the first class with women. She served 30 more years in the Army, rising to the rank of Colonel.

COL Deb Lewis – Iraq Combat Command with her Talented Leadership Team (Budget, Contracting & Deputy)

COL Deb Lewis Farewelled by her Talented Gurkha Guard Compound Security Detail – Iraq Combat Command

After earning a Harvard MBA and teaching Management and Problem-Solving at West Point, Deb commanded three US Army Corps of Engineer Districts – Philadelphia, Seattle, and Iraq. In combat, she was responsible for a $2.1 billion reconstruction program. She also worked on the Joint Staff Antiterrorism Office in the Pentagon as their Engineer Advisor during 9/11. She co-led the worldwide project to finalize the military’s manual to keep people safe in buildings. Few people know that the plane hit the only renovated side of the Pentagon on 9/11. This saved the building and countless lives. In 2003, Deb earned a second Masters Degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Immediately after Deb retired from the US Army in 2010, she supported her husband LTC (Ret.) Doug Adams as he bicycled 50 States in one year 18,067 miles for our Military, Veterans and their families. A new RV’er, Deb drove their rig over 26,000 miles and coordinated all logistical and PR details.

On the last day, Doug rode his bicycle 222 miles around Hawai‘i Island. Soon after, the couple was invited to participate in the Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade. Three months later, fellow-Veteran Denise Nakanishi helped them find their dream home in Hilo, a place they now use as a base to continue their mission – “Live Life to the Fullest, With Love, In Service”.

Empowering Women. As a charter member, Deb helped organize the Hawaii Island Women’s Leadership Forum. She has led workshops to further empower, strengthen, and nurture women to succeed at work and at home. As a member of Zonta of Hilo, part of a global organization that empowers women and girls, Deb helped facilitate Zonta’s “Magnificent Me” event for over 100 middle school girls. Deb is very proud of her own daughter Emily, who is now working for NASA on the Mars 2020 Mission after completing her Ph.D. at Stanford.