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Today is the 43rd anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw, the attempted hostage rescue in Tehran, Iran. On todays show we have SGM Mike Vining, one of the founding members of Delta Force, telling the story of what many call a failed mission, but yielded so many improvements in operational capability. April 24th, 1980, the United States military attempted a daring rescue of 52 American hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran Iran. This would be the first of many missions the U.S. Army's elite fighting force, Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, or Delta Force, would partake in. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beforeiforget/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beforeiforget/support
Hey everybody, On todays show we speak to a legend of legends, one of the founding members of Delta Force, Vietnam Veteran, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert, SGM Mike Vining. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beforeiforget/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beforeiforget/support
Today we have one bad motherfucker for you, dear listeners. Mike Vining knew at an early age that he wanted to be an asskicker, and he wasn't about to let those birth control glasses get in the way. So that's exactly what he became. This dude has fought in more countries than your average American student even knows exist, but most of that is classified. I made due with the information that was available though, and he still came out sounding badass as hell. So strap in for war stories and us fucking up military ranks along the way. Enjoy!
One of the original members of the U.S. Army's Special Forces Delta unit, Mike Vining, joins Tim to talk about his highly decorated career that started in Vietnam and ended in the late 1990s, encompassing many historical missions. Mike was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator in the Delta Force, among many other responsibilities. He tells us what goes through the mind of an explosives specialist when time is tight and it could be a matter of life and death. This episode was originally released August 10, 2020. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Delta_Force.mp3 Mike Vining was in high school when he saw the news about the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. The offensive was one of the largest and bloodiest attacks the communist forces of North Vietnam – the Viet Cong – waged against South Vietnamese and American troops. Mike saw what was happening and decided to join the military. He wanted to be in Vietnam joining the fight. Not long after that, Mike got his wish. Before shipping off to Vietnam, Mike completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) program in the Army, which also involved learning how to dispose of nuclear weapons. The army sent Mike to Vietnam, where he spent 12 months on combat duty, before his honorable discharge in 1971. Two years later, Mike reentered the Army and served as an EOD specialist once again. That was the beginning of a long and decorated career in the Army that included serving as one of the first operators in the U.S. Army Special Forces, and its Delta Force unit. He saw action around the world, from missions to Iran during the 1979 U.S. embassy hostage crisis, to many other operations, ultimately serving on the ground in Operation Desert Storm. In this episode, Mike talks about the events that shaped the Special Forces, from an ill-fated desert mission to rescue 53 American hostages in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, to many other touch and go situations. Please Thank Our Sponsors Please remember to thank our sponsors, without whom the Shaping Opinion podcast would not exist. If you have the need, please support these organizations that have the same taste in podcasts that you do: BlueHost Premium Web Hosting Dell Outlet Overstock Computer Center Philips Hue Smart Home Lighting Links Sergeant Major Mike Vining (Retired), Together We Served 8 Epic Reflections on the Career of the Internet's Most Badass Military Meme, We Are The Mighty Mike Vining, Universal Ship Cancellation Society Delta Force: Missions and History, Military.com U.S. Army Delta Force, Armed Forces History Museum What Special Ops Learned 40 Years Ago from Operation Eagle Claw, Military Times Operation Urgent Fury: The 1983 US Invasion of Grenada, War History Online About this Episode's Guest Mike Vining Sergeant Major Mike R. Vining (Retired), U.S. Army, was born in Greenville, Michigan on 12 August 1950 to Roger and Arlene Vining. He graduated from Tri-County High School in 1968 and enlisted in the Army in July of 1968. After completing Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he attended the Ammunition Renovation Course, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. he completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Program, Indian Head, Maryland in May of 1969 and reported to the Technical Escort Unit, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland during which time he completed the Nuclear Weapons Disposal Course. In 1970 he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam where he was assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Phuoc Vinh. Upon completion of 12 months of combat duty, Sergeant Major Vining was honorably discharged from the United States Army on February 1971. Sergeant Major Vining reentered the Army in 1973 and was assigned to the 63rd Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1978, he was accepted to the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (SFOD) – Delta, where he served with distinction until 1985.
Retired SGM Mike Vining joins the show to discuss his legendary career as an EOD Vietnam veteran, graduate of the US Army Delta Force's first Operator Training Course (OTC-1), and his role as a master breacher, operator, and consultant for JSOC. This episode explores his experience working with the US Secret Service and the tragedy that followed. Mike shares some of the historic operations he participated in, including some of Delta Force's first missions. From Operation Eagle Claw (the military option to the Iranian Hostage Crisis), the air assault against Richmond Hill prison in Grenada, and assisting a former Navy SEAL Medal of Honor recipient-turned FBI Hostage Rescue Team commander during a prison riot in Atlanta, Georgia. Towards the end of the episode, we discuss Mike's experiences traveling the world and what he recommends for others feeling a sense of wanderlust. Surprisingly, as much as we cover in this episode, I invited Mike to join me on another episode covering the stories we didn't venture into. So stay tuned for that.
Our conversation with SGM US Army (Ret) Mike Vining was awesome. We enjoyed learning about his career, love for adventure, traveling with his wife Donna, and his dedication in being a key contributor to preserving EOD History. Mike talks about his early days in EOD, his assignment to Delta Force, and what Veteran's Day means to him . Books: Annapurna: The First Conquest of an 8,000 - Meter Peak - author, Maurice HerzogCamping Utah - author, Donna Ikenberry Resources: National EOD Association - https://www.nateoda.com/National EOD Association - Vietnam Chapter - https://www.nateoda.com/VietnamEODVets/index.htmlwww.eodwarriorfoundation.orgSupport the show (http://weblink.donorperfect.com/BehindTheWarrior)
One of the original members of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Delta unit, Mike Vining, joins Tim to talk about his highly decorated career that started in Vietnam and ended in the late 1990s, encompassing many historical missions. Mike was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator in the Delta Force, among many other responsibilities. He tells us what goes through the mind of an explosives specialist when time is tight and it could be a matter of life and death. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Delta_Force_auphonic.mp3 Mike Vining was in high school when he saw the news about the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. The offensive was one of the largest and bloodiest attacks the communist forces of North Vietnam – the Viet Cong – waged against South Vietnamese and American troops. Mike saw what was happening and decided to join the military. He wanted to be in Vietnam joining the fight. Not long after that, Mike got his wish. Before shipping off to Vietnam, Mike completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) program in the Army, which also involved learning how to dispose of nuclear weapons. Disembarking a C-141 aircraft after operation Eagle Claw; L to R: Dennis E. Wolfe, Durwin D. Dengerud, Lawrence N. Freedman, William L. Welsch, and Mike R. Vining. The army sent Mike to Vietnam, where he spent 12 months on combat duty, before his honorable discharge in 1971. Two years later, Mike reentered the Army and served as an EOD specialist once again. That was the beginning of a long and decorated career in the Army that included serving as one of the first operators in the U.S. Army Special Forces, and its Delta Force unit. He saw action around the world, from missions to Iran during the 1979 U.S. embassy hostage crisis, to many other operations, ultimately serving on the ground in Operation Desert Storm. In this episode, Mike talks about the events that shaped the Special Forces, from an ill-fated desert mission to rescue 53 American hostages in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, to many other touch and go situations. Links Sergeant Major Mike Vining (Retired), Together We Served 8 Epic Reflections on the Career of the Internet's Most Badass Military Meme, We Are The Mighty Mike Vining, Universal Ship Cancellation Society Delta Force: Missions and History, Military.com U.S. Army Delta Force, Armed Forces History Museum What Special Ops Learned 40 Years Ago from Operation Eagle Claw, Military Times Operation Urgent Fury: The 1983 US Invasion of Grenada, War History Online About this Episode’s Guest Mike Vining Sergeant Major Mike R. Vining (Retired), U.S. Army, was born in Greenville, Michigan on 12 August 1950 to Roger and Arlene Vining. He graduated from Tri-County High School in 1968 and enlisted in the Army in July of 1968. After completing Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he attended the Ammunition Renovation Course, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. he completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Program, Indian Head, Maryland in May of 1969 and reported to the Technical Escort Unit, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland during which time he completed the Nuclear Weapons Disposal Course. In 1970 he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam where he was assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Phuoc Vinh. Upon completion of 12 months of combat duty, Sergeant Major Vining was honorably discharged from the United States Army on February 1971. Sergeant Major Vining reentered the Army in 1973 and was assigned to the 63rd Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1978, he was accepted to the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (SFOD) - Delta, where he served with distinction until 1985. He completed the first Operator Training Course, subsequently participating in numerous combat operations including Operation EAGLE CLAW, the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission and Operation URGENT FURY, the invasion of Grenada.
One of the original members of the U.S. Army's Special Forces Delta unit, Mike Vining, joins Tim to talk about his highly decorated career that started in Vietnam and ended in the late 1990s, encompassing many historical missions. Mike was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator in the Delta Force, among many other responsibilities. He tells us what goes through the mind of an explosives specialist when time is tight and it could be a matter of life and death. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Delta_Force_auphonic.mp3 Mike Vining was in high school when he saw the news about the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. The offensive was one of the largest and bloodiest attacks the communist forces of North Vietnam – the Viet Cong – waged against South Vietnamese and American troops. Mike saw what was happening and decided to join the military. He wanted to be in Vietnam joining the fight. Not long after that, Mike got his wish. Before shipping off to Vietnam, Mike completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) program in the Army, which also involved learning how to dispose of nuclear weapons. Disembarking a C-141 aircraft after operation Eagle Claw; L to R: Dennis E. Wolfe, Durwin D. Dengerud, Lawrence N. Freedman, William L. Welsch, and Mike R. Vining. The army sent Mike to Vietnam, where he spent 12 months on combat duty, before his honorable discharge in 1971. Two years later, Mike reentered the Army and served as an EOD specialist once again. That was the beginning of a long and decorated career in the Army that included serving as one of the first operators in the U.S. Army Special Forces, and its Delta Force unit. He saw action around the world, from missions to Iran during the 1979 U.S. embassy hostage crisis, to many other operations, ultimately serving on the ground in Operation Desert Storm. In this episode, Mike talks about the events that shaped the Special Forces, from an ill-fated desert mission to rescue 53 American hostages in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, to many other touch and go situations. Links Sergeant Major Mike Vining (Retired), Together We Served 8 Epic Reflections on the Career of the Internet's Most Badass Military Meme, We Are The Mighty Mike Vining, Universal Ship Cancellation Society Delta Force: Missions and History, Military.com U.S. Army Delta Force, Armed Forces History Museum What Special Ops Learned 40 Years Ago from Operation Eagle Claw, Military Times Operation Urgent Fury: The 1983 US Invasion of Grenada, War History Online About this Episode's Guest Mike Vining Sergeant Major Mike R. Vining (Retired), U.S. Army, was born in Greenville, Michigan on 12 August 1950 to Roger and Arlene Vining. He graduated from Tri-County High School in 1968 and enlisted in the Army in July of 1968. After completing Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he attended the Ammunition Renovation Course, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. he completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Program, Indian Head, Maryland in May of 1969 and reported to the Technical Escort Unit, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland during which time he completed the Nuclear Weapons Disposal Course. In 1970 he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam where he was assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Phuoc Vinh. Upon completion of 12 months of combat duty, Sergeant Major Vining was honorably discharged from the United States Army on February 1971. Sergeant Major Vining reentered the Army in 1973 and was assigned to the 63rd Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1978, he was accepted to the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (SFOD) - Delta, where he served with distinction until 1985. He completed the first Operator Training Course, subsequently participating in numerous combat operations including Operation EAGLE CLAW, the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission and Operation URGENT FURY, the invasion of Grenada.
Everyone's favorite Operator and EOD tech returns to give insight on some under-reported tales.
Sergeant Major Mike Vining is one of the original members of Delta Force. In 1980, he was a participant in Operation Eagle Claw, a failed attempt to rescue 52 American hostages held in Iran. Forty years later, Vining reflects on the mission, its legacy, and the impact it had on today's Special Operations Forces. We are also excited to announce our second sponsor, HighSpeedDaddy.com. Use the discount code "JACK" at checkout to claim 10% off your purchase. Support the stream on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/m/TheTeamHouse
SGM Vining shares stories from Eagle Claw, Urgent Fury, and Desert Storm. This is one you don't want to miss.
In this episode, Sean McNamara and Mike Vining discuss best ways to engage our board members effectively.
In April 1980, the US launched Operation Eagle Claw - a daring but ultimately disastrous attempt to free dozens of hostages held captive in the US Embassy in Tehran. The rescue mission ended in tragedy almost as soon as it began. Rob Walker spoke to Mike Vining, a member of the US special forces team in 2015. This programme is a rebroadcast(Photo:Special forces troops returning from the failed mission. Credit: US Army)
2018 was a great year for SOFREP Radio. We recorded over 100 episodes of kick ass content, had more listeners checking us out than ever before, and a variety of awesome guests from all different backgrounds. Of those guests, here are excerpts from 5 of the most listened to of 2018. Pat McNamara joins the podcast as we discuss a HALO jump story as told to us by George Hand. Andrew Wilkow discusses hyperbolic news, national security, and knowing Steve Bannon prior to him joining the Trump administration. Ed Darack, who will be back on with us later this month, gets into the real story behind Operation Red Wings…and it’s a controversial one. Mike Vining recalls his experience in Vietnam and the tragic death of his teammate Ken Foster. We wrap it all up with Navy SEAL and now Congressman Dan Crenshaw, joining us early on in the campaign trail as we have a frank discussion on foreign policy. Much more to come in 2019, please spread the word and follow us on all social media platforms. Any questions or comments? Email us at sofrep.radio@sofrep.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
This week we return with another episode with the living legend, Mike Vining. Mike has taken part in so many unique missions as an Operator and EOD Technician. And we cover a handful of those in this week’s episode. From Vietnam to Presidential elections, to prison riots, to the bombing of Khobar Towers, Mike Vining brings you firsthand accounts of rare special missions, and some pretty intense moments on the ground and in the air. Check it out, on this Part II episode with Mike Vining! Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors! Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes!
Episode 322 with SGM Mike Vining was one of our most well-received shows to date, and we promised a part two that many of you have been anticipating heavily. As promised, we delivered, and went very in-depth with one of the true pioneers of Army special operations. We pick up right where we left off and dive into SGM Vining's military career after Vietnam. We cover operations Mike was a part of in Grenada, Beirut, Haiti, Iran, and Kuwait. Some heroic stories of guys he served with, as well as some tragic stories, and Mike's take on the rise of IEDs being used to kill our warriors in combat. You'll also get a few laughs as well though, when you hear about Mike's childhood background that was sure to lead to a career as an EOD technician. Mike is currently travelling the country with his wife and enjoying some great outdoor adventures. He does some excellent work with the National EOD Association and EOD Warrior Foundation. We're also excited to hear that SGM Vining will be inducted into the U.S. Army Ordnance Hall of Fame in Fort Lee, Virginia on May 1st, 2018. The following Saturday, May 5th this year marks National EOD Day, and Mike is pleased to announce that there will be no new names added to their memorial this time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
We've teamed up with our friends at Harley Davidson this episode in compiling some of our best moments from the show. If you love hearing some thrilling combat stories, you're in for some action with this one. We even kick it off with some never before heard audio from Robert O'Neill, best known as the UBL shooter from SEAL Team 6. You'll hear why Harley Davidson is such a highly regarded brand in the special operations community. When guys come home from deployment, often times getting on that motorcycle is the true taste of freedom for them. Along with Rob this episode are several of our favorite segments from our biggest guests. These include Nick Irving talking about Army Sniper School and Ranger Battalion, Mike Vining on serving as an EOD tech during Vietnam, and "Tanto" Kris Paronto on the Benghazi terror attack he survived and testifying before Congress. We wrap with the remarkable story of Green Beret Ivan Castro losing his eye and eyesight in combat, and continuing to serve, as well as run marathons. Ivan was even there during the attack on the Boston Marathon believe it or not. These are inspiring stories that you don't want to miss, so check it out. Be sure to also check out our Instagram because I've been putting up some of our show highlights on there. As always leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it's quick and easy, and keep your questions for the show coming to sofrep.radio@sofrep.com . Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
This is sure to be part one of a multi-interview series with US Army & Delta Force legend, retired SGM Mike Vining. Vining enlisted in the Army in 1968. He served in Vietnam as an EOD tech, but after 10 years in EOD he started looking to transition to Special Forces as a medic. He soon found himself, however, going through the selection process for the newly formed 1st SFOD-Delta, more commonly known as "Delta Force" as the Unit was looking to add more EOD techs to its initial roster. Vining successfully graduated the 1st selection class for Delta, and would go on to serve with Delta for the better part of his career. Vining served in many high level operations. So in this episode we dive deep into Operations EAGLE CLAW (Iran) & URGENT FURY (Grenada). Today, Mike Vining spends his time writing, hiking, rock & mountain climbing, & alpine & backcountry skiing, while doing important research work for the National EOD Memorial & working as a committee member for the National EOD Association. This is a very interesting episode, so don't miss it! And don't forget to subscribe, rate & review on iTunes! This week's episode is UNOFFICIALLY brought to you by No Cow protein bars. No Cow bars provide a high amount of protein with just 1g of sugar & they still taste great! So if you're into living and eating healthy, try No Cow bars to get that protein boost when you need it most. In the words of No Cow, "No Cow isn't just for the dairy intolerant, it's for the bull$#*t intolerant. Those who choose to live a healthy life and demand better." We actually use No Cow bars & they really are what they say they are. No bull$#*t! www.nocow.com
SGM Mike Vining is a man who has been there, done that, and lived to tell about it. From attending OTC Class #1 (the first ever Operators Training Course for Army Delta Force) to being a part of the failed Iran hostage rescue mission Operation Eagle Claw, Desert One which resulted in the death of eight Air Force and Marine Corps crewmen, Vining has some very rich history that operators of today have benefited from tremendously. We also get into Vining's job as a bomb disposal technician during Vietnam, and the story of him watching the demise of his teammate Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Foster in his heroic attempt to defuse a bomb during a rally featuring then Vice Presidential candidate Bob Dole at a rally taking place at an Illinois high school. These stories may be heartbreaking, but it's great to see that Vining is in great condition himself and in good spirits. He currently does work for the National EOD Association as well as the EOD Warrior Foundation, and enjoys traveling across the country with his wife. On this episode we also check your emails sent to sofrep.radio@sofrep.com, and answer an interesting question from an Australian listener about secrecy (or lack thereof) in the SOF community. We also Throat Punch an idiot by the name of Gregory Salcido, as he used the platform he holds as a high school teacher as his soapbox to disgrace the U.S. military. You'll also hear Jack's recap of SHOT Show, as well as the Women's March, and you won't want to miss that. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
On 24 April 1980, the US launched Operation Eagle Claw - a daring but ultimately disastrous attempt to free dozens of hostages held captive in the US Embassy in Tehran. The rescue mission ended in tragedy almost as soon as it began. Witness speaks to Mike Vining, a member of the US special forces team. (Photo: Mike Vining (bottom right) returning from the failed mission. Credit: US Army)