Under Secretary Sam Brown | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Faith, Resilience, and the Power of Showing Up
Sam Brown is the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he leads the National Cemetery Administration and its mission to honor America's veterans and their families. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Sam served as an Army infantry officer in Afghanistan, where he was severely wounded by a roadside bomb in 2008. His injuries led to years of recovery and more than 30 surgeries, but also marked the beginning of a profound journey of faith, forgiveness, and renewed purpose. Today, Sam draws on his experiences as a combat veteran, husband, father, and public servant to lead an organization responsible for preserving the final resting places of America's military heroes. He is also the author of Alive Day , which chronicles his remarkable journey of survival and transformation. Sam joins me today to share how his upbringing in a military family shaped his commitment to serving his country and how a life-threatening explosion in Afghanistan forever changed his understanding of faith, leadership, and purpose. We discuss the moments surrounding the roadside bomb that nearly took his life, the powerful words spoken by a fellow soldier who came to his rescue, and how Sam found the strength to forgive those involved in the circumstances of his injuries. Sam also shares how his recovery led him to meet his wife, Amy, why suffering can develop endurance, character, and hope, and how his experiences have shaped his leadership at the National Cemetery Administration. We also explore the importance of honoring veterans and their families, the burial benefits many Americans don't know exist, and why meaningful leadership requires accountability, decisive action, and a willingness to serve others. "Sir, I've got you." – Kevin Jensen, as recalled by Sam Brown "If I can be forgiven, I owe that to others." – Sam Brown "What starts as kind of an initial choice and, you know, one moment, one day can become a real lasting forgiveness." – Sam Brown This Week on The Wow Factor: How growing up in a military family in Arkansas and witnessing the events of September 11 inspired Sam to attend West Point and dedicate his life to serving his country What happened during the roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan that left Sam severely wounded and how fellow soldier Kevin Jensen's actions helped save his life Why Sam's experience on the battlefield transformed his relationship with God and taught him the importance of relying on something greater than his own strength How choosing forgiveness and finding gratitude during years of painful recovery helped Sam develop endurance, character, and hope Why Sam's journey eventually led him to his wife, Amy, and how visiting a fallen soldier's grave brought his life full circle when he became Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs How the National Cemetery Administration honors veterans and their families, and why more Americans should understand the burial and memorial benefits available to eligible veterans and their loved ones Why Sam emphasizes serving others, embracing failure, making common-sense decisions, taking accountability, and preparing future leaders as essential principles of effective leadership Sam Brown's Words of Wisdom: When you tell someone you've got their back, make sure your actions support your words. True service and leadership require more than good intentions. Show up when people need you, take responsibility, and follow through on your commitments. You may never know how far the impact of one act of courage or kindness will reach. Connect with Sam Brown: National Cemetery Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Alive Day – Sam Brown's Memoir Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook
