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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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