Major Diggs Brown: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Inspiration

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Major Diggs Brown’s life is a powerful example of how dedication, courage, and service can shape not only a single career but an entire community. A combat veteran, Green Beret, published author, successful businessman, and politician, Brown has spent decades leading in some of the world’s most demanding environments—from the modern battlefield to the boardroom to local government. His story is not just about personal achievement; it is about using every experience, hardship, and opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

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Brown’s journey began with a lifelong dream: to serve in the elite ranks of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Just before graduating from college, he joined the Army and earned the coveted Special Forces Tab. After completing his training, he returned to finish his Bachelor of Science at Oklahoma State University. His early civilian career was as diverse as it was impressive. He worked in the hospitality industry, then became a financial advisor with Paine Webber, and later entered the film and television world as an actor, writer, and director, even appearing on the hit show Dallas.

 

A move to Fort Collins, Colorado, brought him back to the investment field as an Investment Manager for Northeastern Colorado with a Midwestern regional bank. Throughout these transitions, one constant remained: his continued service in the Army Reserves and National Guard.

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In the military, Brown steadily rose through the ranks and responsibilities. He first served as a Senior Weapons Sergeant and Communications Sergeant on a Special Forces “A-Team.” In 1989, he received a direct commission as a second lieutenant and later served as an Executive Officer on an A-Team. When he was promoted to captain, he became a team commander. His deployments took him across the globe—to Afghanistan, Kenya, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Guam, Germany, Russia, Central America, Japan, and Malaysia. This worldwide experience exposed him to different cultures, conflicts, and challenges, shaping his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and sacrifice.

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In 2002, Captain Brown was called to active duty for the Global War on Terrorism and deployed to Afghanistan. There, he trained the newly formed Afghan National Army and conducted operations against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Yet his service went beyond combat. Seeing the needs of local children, he volunteered to help rebuild and support a village school—one of the first to allow girls to attend after the fall of the Taliban. Working with a chaplain, he helped secure a large number of supplies and participated in rebuilding and teaching at the school. This effort reflected his belief that true victory is not only measured on the battlefield, but also in the lives rebuilt and the futures made possible. Brown later captured these experiences in his book Your Neighbor Went to War, and he went on to share his insights as a military analyst on national radio and television programs.

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After returning home, Brown continued to serve in new ways. He was elected to the Fort Collins City Council and became a recognized community leader involved with many non-profit organizations. In 2008, he was promoted to major and once again mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom. He served on a joint staff that helped establish Special Operations Command Africa, overseeing the training of African militaries for their role in the War on Terror. After completing this mission, he returned to Fort Collins in 2009, earned an MBA from Colorado State University, and focused his efforts on supporting veteran-oriented non-profits, especially those benefiting combat-wounded veterans.

One of Brown’s lasting legacies is the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado, which he founded as a tribute to all who have served the nation with honor. This three-acre park hosts annual events to honor service members and serves as a place of reflection, education, and healing. The Veterans Plaza also raises funds for other veteran-focused organizations and offers inspirational speakers for schools, civic groups, and businesses under the mission: Honor, Educate, and Support. Brown’s civic contributions have earned him numerous awards, including Citizen of the Year from the Fort Collins Board of Realtors, the national Community Hero Award from SAFECO Insurance, the Daughters of the American Revolution Veteran Volunteer of the Year, and the Ordinary Extraordinary People Award.

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Brown’s military decorations further highlight the depth of his service and sacrifice. His awards include the Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Jumpmaster Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Service Award, Armed Forces Service Medal with “M” device, and multiple parachutist badges from allied nations such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Honduras. These honors represent not only personal courage but also years of commitment to demanding, often dangerous missions. After 34 years of service, he retired from the National Guard in 2013, leaving behind a distinguished military career.

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Today, Major Diggs Brown is best known as a powerful motivational speaker. His presentations draw on every chapter of his life—soldier, businessman, public servant, and community leader. He speaks about American exceptionalism and the power of individuals to change the world around them. His central themes—motivation, overcoming adversity, leadership, inspiration, life perspective, and team building—are rooted in real-life experiences, from training troops in Afghanistan to rebuilding schools and supporting veterans at home. Whether he is addressing grade-school students or CEOs, Brown captivates audiences with stories that bring both laughter and tears, ultimately leaving listeners with a renewed sense of purpose and worth.

In the end, Major Diggs Brown’s story is about more than titles or medals. It is about a life lived in service to others—on the battlefield, in business, in local government, and in the community. Through his actions and his words, he shows that true leadership means using one’s skills and experiences to uplift others, especially in times of hardship. His journey reminds us that each person, regardless of background or profession, can make a significant difference in the world.