Sgt. Major Mike R. Vining: Perception is Everything

Delta Force/EOD Warrior and Meme Lord

Mike Vining is perhaps the most unlikely visual representation of a true warrior. His combat experience includes Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Operation Eagle Claw to rescue Iran hostages, Operation Urgent Fury the invasion of Grenada,Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and as an expert in the Khobar Towers Bombing in Saudi. He also operated as a tunnel rat in Cambodia, clearing out enemy forces by going underground and blowing them up. What truly separates Vining and has made him famous is his face/demeanor. He looks like someone who would kill you and then do your taxes. There is even a Pokemon card with him on it (his grandchildren alerted him to it). From a visual standpoint he looks harmless or at least challenges the current narrative of a burly bearded hulk covered with tattoos that we all associate with special operators. He has been called “Tactical Rick Moranis” and “The Tax Man” but he is 100% an American Hero.

Valor isn’t an image, it’s what you do. Valor is in you. Set it free.