SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official

SGM Mike Vining, Delta Force, shares elite ops leadership lessons, mountaineering, & inspiring truths that combat moral injury. "Blasting Through" book, Aug '26

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

I'm Mike Vining, SGM USA (Retired). Welcome to my official X account. In the next several months, I'll share EOD and Delta Force memories. And I'll offer info on moral injury and PTSD. I'm calling this account "Blasting Through," because that's the title of my book, a memoir, due for release in August 2026.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Dear Followers,
The review and publishing process will take longer than expected. August was our goal. The manuscript is at USSOCOM for review. It will then go to the Defense Office of Prepublication Security Review. Once approved, I'm told that it takes about ten more weeks to go through the publishing process for release. I will post any updates. Thank you for your patience.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Here’s an excerpt from “Blasting Through” that describes when I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal:
On a personal note, I should mention that, upon completion of my tour in Vietnam, the detachment held a going away party for MSG Land and me. At the party I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service. I had mixed emotions leaving Vietnam. Part of me was ready to leave and return home. My enlistment was up. Because I had less than six months remaining in the Army, I was getting an early out. The Army was downsizing and withdrawing from Vietnam. The war was being turned over to the South Vietnamese. Part of me wanted to extend and stay with my detachment and the soldiers I had served with those many months. But the detachment was moving to Long Bien, so the writing was on the wall, and Vietnam would soon not be the United States’ problem. ©Vining Domeier Publishing

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@PhanvaChi During May and June of 1970, President Nixon authorized the military to go into Cambodia as part of the Vietnamization Program. Turning the war over to South Vietnam. We destroyed their stockpiles of weapons and ammunition. Things afterwards were quiet for about six months.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Discipline gives you the freedom to live boldly.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Mentoring means sharing what you know without bragging about it.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@Capt_Barker To be recognized by your leaders for your hard work.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

I support Ukraine's fight against Russia. Discipline helps when things get tough to push through. Not to quit. In the early days of Ukraine's fight I helped provide information to Bomb Techs Without Borders. I still follow the ordnance technology that is being used in your country.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@enterAndrew Discipline to train, to learn, and put in the work.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@WhidbeyAV8 Yes, for service in Vietnam.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@Hummingbirder The photo was taken at my going away party in Vietnam. Age 20, rank Specialist Fifth Class E-5.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@QuickelJahiem I am sorry, I do not know your grandfather. Wishing you the best in BUDS.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Many of you have asked me about this medal. Have a nice night.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@OutragedVets It is standard for a Legion of Merit Medal to cover ten years of a person's career.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@Rotorftw @TheFitzburgh I am honored. Thank you and your son for service to our country. Mentorship is the key.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@jason_belt48998 I believe in a higher power. I never had a fear of death. I did on occasion ask God to watch me, but never asked God to save. What happens, happens.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@mortonconsult I served from 1 June 1968 to 31 January 1999, with a two and a half year break following Vietnam.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@caduse Contact me.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Many of you have asked about military medals and about some of those I was awarded.

I’ll explain a few in future posts, but for today, here’s a pic of the shadowbox that appears on the U.S. Army’s “Together We Served” site:

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@NAFO_Dragonfly @joe92677 They are not all perfectly good airplanes.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@SprawlOnoSendAi @joe92677 I started climbing in the Tetons at the age of 16.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

@FlyrockMK18 Thank you.