BONUS: Ground Flounder to Firefighter: Mick’s Vietnam Story of Sacrifice

8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice

In this special Memorial Day episode of the 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with 75-year-old Vietnam veteran Mick—whose life of service spans far beyond the battlefield. Mick served 16.5 years in the Army, completing two tours in Vietnam as a tanker and Search & Destroy team member. From exposure to Agent Orange to operating B40 mortar tubes and fueling operations, his time in combat left lasting physical and emotional wounds. After transitioning to the Air Guard as an F16 weapons specialist, Mick continued to serve his country from the skies. Post-military, he earned degrees in social science, focusing on the aftershock syndrome faced by veterans’ children. He then served with the Bureau of Land Management, flying helicopters into wildfires and leading live fire trainings—including during the 1988 Yellowstone fires. This is a powerful tribute to the cost of service, the battle for benefits, and the impact on family. Mick’s story is raw, real, and deeply American. Listen in and remember: freedom isn’t free. ⸻ 💙 Support the mission: Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation: 🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com/donate 🌐 Website: 🔗 https://www.8158podcast.com 🎙 Want to be a guest? Schedule an interview here: 🔗 https://8158podcast.com/contact-us 📢 Join our community & get exclusive content: 🔗 http://Patreon.com/8158podcast ⸻ Hashtags: #MemorialDay #VietnamVeteran #StoriesOfSacrifice #8158Podcast #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #VeteranStories #FreedomIsNotFree