Combat Veteran   Green Beret

Published Author   Successful Businessman   Politician 

 

Diggs Brown has an inspirational story to share with you.

 

Just prior to his graduation from college, Diggs joined the US Army Special Forces, a lifelong dream.  Upon completion of training, he returned to earn a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University.  Following a stint in the hospitality industry, he took a position as a financial advisor with Paine Webber.  He eventually had a career in the film industry as an actor, a writer, and a director.  You might have seen him in one of his many roles in the television show “Dallas.”

 

A move from Dallas to Fort Collins, Colorado, brought him back to the investment realm.  Diggs was hired by a Midwestern regional bank to be the Investment Manager for Northeastern Colorado.  

 

All the while Diggs Brown continued his service to the country in the Army Reserves and the National Guard.  He served as a Senior Weapons Sergeant and a Communications Sergeant on a Special Forces “A-Team” until 1989 when he received a direct appointment to second lieutenant.  As lieutenant he served as the Executive Officer on an A-Team and when promoted to captain, he became the Commander.  

 

His deployments which have taken him around the world include:  Afghanistan, Kenya, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Guam, Germany, Russia, Central America, Japan and Malaysia.

 

In 2002 Captain Diggs Brown was called to active duty to fight the Global War on Terrorism.  He found himself in Afghanistan training the new Afghan National Army and conducting operations against al Qeada and Taliban.  Not only did he fight a war but he voluntarily participated in the rebuilding, supplying, and teaching at a school for the children of a local village.  He, along with the chaplain, secured tons of supplies and put forward the effort to rebuild one of the first schools to allow girls to attend after the rule of the Taliban.  Diggs also authored a book about his experience titled “Your Neighbor Went to War.”  He has since appeared on many national radio and television programs as a military analyst.

 

After returning from Afghanistan, Diggs served on the Fort Collins

City Council and was recognized at a community leader, becoming involved with many non-profit organizations.

 

In 2008, Captain Diggs Brown was promoted to major and once again mobilized as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  He served one year of duty on a joint staff that stood up Special Operations newest command, Special Operations Command Africa.  His duties took him from Germany to Africa where he was responsible for the training of African militaries for their role in the War on Terror.  

 

Diggs returned to Fort Collins in November of 2009 and earned his MBA at Colorado State University.  He currently assists veteran oriented non-profit organizations with their operations to benefit combat wounded veterans.

 

He is the founder of the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado, a tribute to all who have served the country with honor.  The three-acre park is a site of annual events honoring our service members and is also a site of reflection, education, and for some, healing.  The Veterans Plaza also raises funds for other veteran oriented groups and offers inspirational speakers for schools, civic organizations, and businesses.  Their mission: Honor, Educate, and Support.

 

He retired from the National Guard in 2013 after serving 34 years.

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Civic awards and recognitions include:

 

• Citizen of the Year – Fort Collins Board of Realtors

• Community Hero Award (only 30 are given out nationally) – SAFECO Insurance

• Daughters of the American Revolution Veteran Volunteer of the Year

• Ordinary Extraordinary People Award

 

His military awards and decorations include:

 

Special Forces Tab

Combat Infantry Badge

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terror Service Medal

Jumpmaster Badge

Meritorious Service Medal (2)

National Defense Service Medal (2)

Joint Service Commendation Medal (2)

Army Commendation Medal (3)

Army Achievement Medal (4)

Joint Meritorious Unit Service Award

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal

Armed Forces Service Medal with M device

Army Service Ribbon

Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (3)

Military Freefall Badge

Malaysian Parachutist Badge

Royal Thai Marine Parachutist Badge

Honduran Parachutist Badge