Mike Stubbs went to war at 18 and came back with medals, scars, and stories most never hear. In this episode, he opens up about a moment that changed his life and the decades-long mission that followed, plus we'll shed light on the parts of military service that don't make the history books. Listen in for a raw, real conversation that honors courage, connection, and the fight to be remembered.

Key takeaways to listen for

• What the Purple Heart really means
• Why Mike volunteered for Vietnam and what happened the day he was shot
• The story behind Mike's Silver Star and how it was nearly forgotten
• What it meant to serve as a tunnel rat in Vietnam
• Mike's out-of-body experience that changed everything

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Queen City Honor Flight
• VA Home Loans in 2025: Myths, Facts, and Game-Changing Updates with John Bell III
• Rebuilding Hope: How the VA Supports Veterans After Disasters – A Conversation with John Bell
• 364 - VA Home Loan with Executive Director, Mr. John Bell III
• June 17, 1967: The Battle of Xom Bo II by David J. Hearne

About Mike Stubbs

Mike is a highly decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a Machine Gunner and Tunnel Rat with the 2nd Battalion/28th Infantry/1st Infantry Division.

A committed veterans advocate, he currently serves as Commander of MOPH Combat Wounded Veterans Chapter 634 and is a Board Member for Queen City Honor Flight.

Stubbs' dedication has been recognized with significant honors, including the MOPH National Patriot of the Year (2014-2015) and induction into the North Carolina Military Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2018. He continues to live the values learned in service by leading and supporting his fellow Veterans.

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.