James Hatch

About

James Hatch joined the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday and completed SEAL training with Class 164 in 1990, beginning a 22-year career with the SEAL Teams. 

Over more than 150 combat missions worldwide, he served in some of the military's most demanding operations before being critically wounded on his final deployment in 2009. After surviving 18 surgeries and a long recovery, Hatch confronted significant mental health challenges and sought a new purpose. He founded Spike's K9 Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for retired military and working dogs, inspired by the canine teammate who helped save his life. He also co-authored Touching the Dragon and Other Techniques for Surviving Life's Battles, a memoir about resilience, trauma, and recovery, and has become a sought-after speaker on leadership and overcoming adversity. 

In 2019, Hatch began studying the humanities at Yale University, graduating in 2024 and embarking on a new chapter beyond military service.

Education

• BA in Humanities, Yale University, 2024

Courses Taught

GLBL 339: The Impact of War on Its (Willing and Unwilling) Participants