Vining, Mike R., SGM

Fully retired.  Keeping busy with writing, hiking, backpacking, rock and mountain climbing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and alpine and backcountry skiing.

Questions That People Have Asked:

Why is my Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badge placed below my jump wings in my retirement photo taken in November 1998?  From the period when the EOD Badges were first authorized for wear in 1956 until 2005, the EOD Badges were placed in Special Skill Group 5.  AR 670-1, dated 3 February 2005, now lists the EOD Badges in Special Skill Group 3, above the Parachutist Badge and the HALO Badge in Special Skills Group 4.  This is where it should have been all along.

How was I awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) for Operation URGENT FURY when I was EOD (at that time MOS 55D).  Although my primary MOS was 55D, I was in an Infantry duty MOS 11B billet.  Today, the enlisted Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code for EOD is 89D.  That change took place on 1 January 2005.

When and why did I transfer from EOD to Infantry MOS?  As soon as I was promoted to Master Sergeant in the EOD MOS, I changed my MOS to Infantry on 11 July 1988 (19 years in EOD).  I felt because of my duty assignments and ten years in 1st SFOD-D, I would be more competitive for Sergeant Major in the Infantry field.  My duties in 1st SFOD-D and later JSOC were not affected by the change.  This decision proved correct.

For my combat patch, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) that I wore on my right shoulder, I chose the United States Army, Vietnam (USARV) patch.

As for headgear, I wore a green beret with a U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) flash.  The USASOC Distinguished Unit Insignia (DUI) is centered on the flash.  Although I went through the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (Airborne) Assessment and Selection Course and the complete Operator Training course, I was not Special Forces qualified, but I was airborne qualified.

The badge that I am wearing above my right breast pocket of my jacket is the Austrian (Österreich) Police Gendarmerie High Alpinists “Polizei Gendarmerie Hochalpinist” Badge (Abzeichen).  I and five others from Delta trained with the Austrian GEK (Gendarmerieeinsatzkommando) Cobra on their ski mountaineering training course from 12 to 28 May 1984.  We climbed and skied in the Glockner Group in the Austrian high (Hohe) Tauern.  In 2002, GEK's name was changed to EKO (Einsatzkommando).  The badge was presented by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior on 28 May 1984.  Under the provisions of Chapter 7, AR 672-5-1, and Public Law 95-105, Foreign Relations Authorization Act, I was authorized to accept and wear the badge.  AR 670-1 permits the permanent wearing of one foreign badge.  The order authorizing me to wear the badge is a DAPC-PDA order dated 12 March 1987.

My Army dress uniform is now on display at the U.S. Army Ordnance Training Support Facility (OTSF) at Fort Lee, Virginia.

The photos on the internet that identify me as being on General H. Norman Schwarzhopf, Jr.'s, security detail during Operation DESERT STORM is not me.  It is William F. "Bill" Cronin III, a friend and co-worker in Delta.  I did not do any personal security during my time in Delta.  I did conduct security/survivability assessments within the United States and worldwide during my time in Delta.  My assignment during Operation DESERT STORM was the assault on Taji #2, the two-story cut-and-cover Iraqi Command and Control (C2) facility located approximately 15 nautical miles northwest of Baghdad.  The Air Force dropped 60 2,000-pound BLU-109/B on it without damaging it.  We were to breach it and destroy it in a ground attack.  On the last day of the war, it was partially taken out by the newly developed 4,700-pound GBU-28/B.  During Operation DESERT STORM, I was located in Ar'ar, Saudi Arabia.

My interests are spelunking, rock climbing, and mountaineering.  During my time on active-duty, I was a professional member of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), American Alpine Club (AAC), and the National Speleological Society (NSS).  I was also nationally registered as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).  I first learned to rock climb in 1967, when I attended Exum Mountaineering School at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

Recipient of The Order of 1st SFOD-D - Delta Colors, Serial Number 123, on 19 October 1995, for singularly exemplary contributions to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (Airborne).  Graduate of Operator Training Course -1 (OTC-1).   At Delta, I served as an Operator, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Master Breacher, Climbing Instructor, and Mountain Guide.  Assistant Historian for the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association (NATEODA).  Assist the EOD Warrior Foundation with historical EOD research.  Received the 2013 Art Macksey Citizenship Award presented by the Vietnam EOD Veterans Association.  Inducted into the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame, Class of 2018.

Family:
Married to Donna L. Ikenberry, a freelance photojournalist.  We have two daughters, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  The oldest two grandchildren served in the U.S. Navy.  We currently have one grandson in the U.S. Army.  On 1 June 2018, Donna was awarded the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps "Keeper of the Flame" award.

U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame 2018:
U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame web link - Year 2018:
Sergeant Major Mike R. Vining, Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame Inductee 2018, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps 

The Official Home Page of the U.S. Army article on my career:
Retired U.S. Army sergeant major paved way for EOD technicians in elite Special Forces unit | Article | The United States Army

Interviews:
I have given several podcast interviews; BBC Radio 4, Hazard Ground, SOFREP Radio, The After Action Review, The Team House, Shaping Opinion, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation (EODWF), American Warrior Radio, Late Night History, The Blue Falcon Broadcast, The Reconnaissance Cast, D.B. Cooper Vortex, and Mother of Tanks.

Ten years after Operation EAGLE CLAW, the Iran Hostage Rescue Mission was declassified.  The mission took place from 24-25 April 1980.  From 13 October 1992 to 29 April 1993, I was part of USSOCOM Special Operations Forces Strategic Potential briefings under General Carl Stiner.  Twenty-some special operations personnel and I went around the country giving this presentation to the civilian populace.  John T. Carney, Jr., USAF George C. Ferkes, USAF and I gave the Iran Hostage Rescue Mission portion of the presentation.

I gave an audio BBC Radio 4 interview on Operation EAGLE CLAW.  In the photo on the website we are debarking from a C-141 at Wadi Kena, Egypt following the rescue attempt.  I am the person in the photo on the far right.

Listen Notes lists some of my podcast interviews:  Mike Vining - Top podcast episodes
 
1.  BBC Radio 4 audio podcast interview by Rob Walker, 12 May 2015, 15 minutes:
My interview: BBC World Service - Witness History, Iran Hostage Rescue Mission

I gave two audio podcast interviews for Hazard Ground.  Hazard Ground is a free military oral history website on iTunes.  Service members from across the military share their accounts of combat and survival.  The program is hosted by sports talk radio host and Army veteran, Mark Zinno and producer Matthew Pascarella.  This podcast brings inspirational stories of service and resiliency from those who have fought on and off the battlefield.
 
The main subject I was asked to talk about on 26 February 2018 was Operation EAGLE CLAW, the 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt and Operation URGENT FURY, the 1983 invasion of Grenada.  This interview was Special Operations oriented.  During this interview I discussed the mission to rescue 53 American hostages and the tragic accident at Desert One where eight members of the rescue force were killed.  For Grenada, I discussed the air assault on Richmond Hill Prison to rescue the political prisoners held there.  The mission resulted in one aircrew member being killed, seven were wounded, and our assault force suffered 17 wounded.

My next interview was on 9 July 2018 and was more EOD oriented.  In this interview I will discuss the May 1970 capture and destruction of the 327-ton weapons and ammunition cache in Cambodia during the Vietnam War, known as "Rock Island East".  The capture of the cache resulted in seven American deaths and 20 wounded, and before that was over, three more were killed.  I also talk about the Secret Service support that resulted in the death of my teammate SGM Ken Foster in 1976, and the 1996 Khobar Towers, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia truck bombing where 19 Air Force personnel were killed and 488 casualties (109 seriously wounded).  I was the explosives' investigator for the Department of Defense and part of the Downing Assessment Force, plus more.  I also talked about my support of the FBI during the 1987 Atlanta prison riots, Operation POCKET PLANNER.

Note: If you don't have iTunes loaded on your computer or device, you can download the free iTune program from the above site.  The iTunes program is 248 MB and free.  Hazard Ground audio podcasts are free.
Their website: Hazard Ground Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
 
2.  Hazard Ground audio podcast interview #1, Episode #57, 26 February 2018, 1 hour:
My interview: Mike Vining (1st SFOD-D/EAGLE - Hazard Ground - Apple Podcasts

3.  Hazard Ground audio podcast interview #2, Episode #73, 9 July 2018, 56 minutes:
My interview: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-vining-returns-1st-sfod-d-eod/id1194875626?i=1000426532190

I gave two audio podcast interviews for SOFREP Radio with Jack Murphy.  The links below will connect you to iTunes Store.
Their website: Connecting to the iTunes Store.

4.  SOFREP Radio audio podcast interview #1, Episode 322 - Storied from the Origins of Delta Force, 31 January 2018, 1 hour and 49 minutes:
My interview: Episode 322: SGM Mike Vining shares stories from the origins of Delta Force | SOFREP Radio

5.  SOFREP Radio audio podcast interview #2, Episode 342 - Post-Vietnam Service, 11 April 2018, 1 hour and 47 minutes:
My interview: Episode 342: Mike Vining returns to discuss post-Vietnam service | SOFREP Radio

I gave a video podcast interview for The After Action Review with Nicholas Guy.  This podcast deals with military issues and foreign policy.
Their website: The After Action Review (podcast) - Nicholas Guy | Listen Notes

6.  The After Action Review video podcast interview #1, Episode 16 - Stories from Vietnam, Iran, Grenada to Desert Storm, 20 March 2020, 1 hour and 38 minutes:
My interview: (4) The After Action Review Episode 16: SGM Mike Vining. Yes THE Mike Vining - YouTube

7.  The After Action Review video podcast interview #2, Episode 26 - On Khobar Towers bombing and TWA flight 800 accidents, 5 July 2020, 58 minutes:
My interview: The After Action Review Episode 26: SGM Mike Vining on Khobar Towers and TWA 800

I gave a video podcast interview for The Team House hosted by Jack Murphy and Dave Parke.  The Team House is a weekly stream featuring interviews with military veterans and other experts in their field.  The links below will connect you to the interview.
Their website: (4) The Team House - YouTube

8.  The Team House video podcast interview #1, Episode  #40, Delta Force Plank Owner, 1 May 2020, 2 hours and 19 minutes.  This one has over 248,000 views:
My interview: Delta Force Plank Owner SGM Mike Vining, Ep. 40

9. Podcast #14, Behind the Warrior – Historian, EOD Veteran and World Traveler, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation (EODWF).   Interviewed by Sherri Beck and Mike Mack, website: PODCAST|EOD Warrior Foundation

My interview on 10 November 2020, 1 hour:
Ep #14 - Behind the Warrior - Historian, EOD Veteran and World Traveler, Mike Vining

10.  American Warrior Radio audio interview by Ben Buehler-Garcia, website:
Home - American Warrior Radio

My interview on 16 May 2021, 45 minutes:
DELTA Force Original - Mike Vining - American Warrior Radio

11.  Late Night History - Episode 8, interviewed by Matt Fratus:

My interview on 24 October 2021, 1 hour and 52 minutes, website:
Episode 8: Mike Vining by Late Night History

12.  Before I Forget – Interviewed by Johnson Tyree and Kevin Johnson:
Website: Before I Forget Podcast (beforeiforgetthepodcast.com)

My first interview on 15 March 2023, 2 hours and 9 minutes, website: SGM Mike Vining - YouTube
Before I Forget: Delta Force Founding Member SGM Mike Vining on Apple Podcasts
Delta Force Founding Member SGM Mike Vining - Before I Forget | Podcast on Spotify

My second interview on 15 March 2023, 30 minutes, website:
Operation Eagle Claw feat. SGM Mike Vining - YouTube
Operation Eagle Claw feat. SGM Mike Vining - Before I Forget | Podcast on Spotify
Before I Forget: Operation Eagle Claw feat. SGM Mike Vining on Apple Podcasts

13.  Judging Freedom - interviewed by Judge Andrew Napolitano and Gary Villapiano:

My interview on 16 March 2023, 15 minutes website:
Judging Freedom: Nordstream Pipeline Blasts - What Makes Sense_ on Apple Podcasts

14.  The Blue Falcon Broadcast, Bobby Steagall

My interview on 19 March 2023, 2 hours and 25 minutes website:
Vietnam Veteran, EOD Tech and Delta Force Operator - A Conversation with SGM (Retired) Mike Vining - YouTube
Also, available for listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all the other podcast platforms.

15.  Late Night History - Episode 38, interviewed by Matt Fratus on the History of US Military Bomb Disposal/Explosive Ordnance Disposal:

My YouTube interview on 3 November 2023, 6 minutes, website:
Delta Force Legend Mike Vining Discusses Tunnel Rat Missions | Late Night History | Ep. 38 (youtube.com)
You can find the full episode on Apple and Spotify.

16.  The Reconnaissance Cast - Live interviewed by Cecil “Bud” Gibson on a little bit about everything.  I tried to cover topics in my career that I have not talked about in previous interviews.

My interview on 9 November 2023, 3 hours and 45 minutes, website:
Sgt Major Mike Vining - 1st Interview with Historian, Vietnam (EOD) Vet & 1st SFOD-D (DELTA FORCE) - YouTube

17.  The Cooper Vortex – Episode 75 - Interview with Darren Schaefer on my opinion of the D.B. “Dan” Cooper bomb and my opinion on his jumping out of the B-727 aircraft in flight.

My interview on 19 March 2024, 1 hour and 3 minutes, website:
DB Cooper's Bomb - Sergeant Major Mike Vining, US Army Retired | The Cooper Vortex (podbean.com)
Also, available for listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all the other podcast platforms.

18.  Interview with Michael “Mike” Villahermosa titled SGM Mike Vining:  From EOD to Military Legend.
 
My interview on 29 April 2024, 1 hour and 36 minutes, website:
SGM Mike Vining: From EOD to Military Legend (youtube.com)

19.  Co-interview with Brian Castner (Air Force EOD Veteran and book author) with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation (EODWF).   Interviewed by Maria Schabla, website:  https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/behind-the-warrior-podcast/

Our interview on 12 June 2024, 1 hour: 
To learn more about the EOD History Path see Episode 110 on the EOD Warrior Foundation website “Behind the Warrior Podcast” PODCAST|EOD Warrior Foundation
Audio only:
Ep. 110 - Mike Vining, Brian Castner & the EOD History Path (buzzsprout.com)
Video and audio:
Behind the Warrior Podcast - Episode 110: Mike Vining, Brian Castner & the EOD History Path (youtube.com)

20.   Interview with Sasha Maggio of the series “Mother of Tanks” on EOD History & US Army Bomb Disposal in World War II in the Why We Fight – 1944 series, website:  Podcast – Mother of Tanks
 
My interview on 26 June 2024, 1 hour and 31 minutes; website:  Release date: 17 February 2025.
Apple Podcasts: 
EOD History & US Army Bomb Dis - Why We Fight ~ 1944 - Apple Podcasts
Spotify:
EOD History & US Army Bomb Disposal in World War II - Why We Fight ~ 1944 | Podcast on Spotify

21.  Co-interview with Donna Ikenberry (my wife) with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation (EODWF).   Interviewed by Maria Schabla, website:  https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/behind-the-warrior-podcast/

Our interview on 29 October 2024, 1 hour and 4 minutes:  Released on 14 February 2025

To learn about how my wife and I met and life post-retirement, see Episode 117 on the EOD Warrior Foundation website “Behind the Warrior Podcast” PODCAST|EOD Warrior Foundation
Audio only:  Ep. 117 - Mike Vining and Donna Ikenberry: The Highpoint Love Story
Video and audio:  Behind the Warrior Podcast - Episode 117 - Mike Vining & Donna Ikenberry: The Highpoint Love Story

22.  Ryan Kelly, TikTok, 19 November 2024, 1 minute and 17 seconds:
https://www.tiktok.com/@youthpastorryan/video/7439130551270870314?lang=en

23.  YouTube Short - American Military Network:  1 January 2025.  How did your uncle become one of the baddest men in Delta Force?  Delta Force legend Mike Vining took on some of the most daring missions in military history, showcasing fearless resolve in rescues, riot control, and high-stakes combat deep behind enemy lines.  Length: 50 seconds.
Version 1 Link:  Did you Know That Your Uncle Was an Absolute Killing Machine? #usa #military #shorts
Version 2 Link: This Nerdy-Looking Guy is Most BADASS Delta Force Operator!!! #shorts

24.  Interview with John Guarnieri for Spear Talk Podcast, Chief Operating Officer at Silver Spear Security, LCC.  The talk focused on my early career in the Army to the beginning of my time in Delta Force.  I also talked about rock climbing, mountain climbing and Spelunking.  Their website:  http://www.silverspearsecurity.com/

My interview on 16 January 2025, Episode 182, 1 hour and 23 minutes, website link:  Founding Member of Delta Force Sgt. Major Mike Vining Speaks the Truth on Spear Talk

25.  Interview with Chester Moore for Moore Outdoors on Outdoors Danger Awareness.  It is a joint interview with Donna Ikenberry and me.  He is the host of Higher Calling Wildlife & Dark Outdoors.  Their website:  https://highercalling.net/

Our interview on 23 January 2025, 28 minutes, published on 31 July 2025, website link: Survival Tips From Delta Force Original - Higher Calling Wildlife.  Episode 53: Delta Force Meets the Wild: Surviving with the Sgt. Major Mike Vining and Donna Ikenberry.  On Apple:  Delta Force Meets the Wild: Su… - Dark Outdoors - Apple Podcasts  On Castbox:  Delta Force Meets the Wild: Surviving with the Sgt. Major Mike Vining & Donna Ikenberry

26.  Instagram post on 7 April 2025: https://share.google/QOosL2SvPSyyQFzcw

27.  On 12 August 2025, the U.S. Army honored my birthday on X (formerly Twitter).  I turned 75.  As of 25 August 2025 it has 6.7M views.
Link:  https://x.com/USArmy/status/1955396379729150091 

28.  U.S. Army short video on my Army career on X, published on 10 September 2025.  The video is 1 minute and 30 seconds.
U.S. Army on X: "You've seen the memes, now meet the EOD legend. Here's the explosive story of Sgt. Maj. Mike Vining. https://t.co/t6w9rk3Lhk" / X

29.  Interview with Jerron Clark for Echo Oscar Delta, websites:  Echo Oscar Delta - YouTube and Echo Oscar Delta - Podcast - Apple Podcasts.  The date of the podcast 13 September 2025.  The video is 3 hours and 17 minutes.  Podcast:  Ep. 55: Mike Vining - Tier 1 EOD Legend - Echo Oscar Delta | Podcast on Spotify, YouTube Ep. 55: Mike Vining - Tier 1 EOD Legend, or Ep. 55: Mike Vining - Tier 1 E… - Echo Oscar Delta - Apple Podcasts

30.  Interview with Kagan Dunlap on 11 October 2025, The Kagan Dunlap Podcast website:  Podcast – Kagan's Store.  To be released soon.

31.  Interview with Nancy Davies on 17 October 2025.  Podcast on WWII Legacies – Stories about Trauma and Resilience.  NCR Davis website:  NCR Davis's Author Website.  To be released soon.  The podcast was released on 29 October 2025.  The video is 2 hours and 40 minutes.  SGM Mike Vining Talks with NCR Davis, author SD 480p

32. Interview with Shawn Ryan of The Shawn Ryan Show podcast, website:  Vigilance Elite – Shawn Ryan Show.  The date of the podcast is to be determined.  Contact is with Jeremy Watkins, executive producer.