On February 27, 2007, Army Ranger Michael Schlitz's life changed forever when an explosion in Iraq killed three of his fellow soldiers and left him with burns over 85% of his body.

He survived the attack. But the battle that followed nearly took his life.

After months in a medically induced coma, countless surgeries, and a long recovery, Michael faced something he never expected: losing his independence, struggling with his identity, and experiencing suicidal thoughts.

In this powerful episode of Not Special: A Liberty Speaks Show Michael sits down with Herb and Corrie Thompson to share the story behind his injuries, the soldiers he lost, and the people who helped him find a reason to keep going.

Michael opens up about the moment he was finally able to feed himself again, why he chooses "survivor's pride" over survivor's guilt, and how his experiences shaped the man he is today.

Now serving as Vice President of Outreach for the Robert Irvine Foundation, Michael continues to give back to veterans, military families, and communities across America.

Michael's story isn't simply about surviving. It's about what happens when the life you knew is gone, and you have to discover who you are all over again.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 Why Mike Schlitz Is Special

01:08 Mike's Childhood and Joining the Army

05:46 Becoming an Army Ranger and Military Leader

11:10 Partner Shoutout: GOVX

11:27 February 27, 2007: The Attack in Iraq

18:01 Burned Over 85% of His Body: Fighting to Survive

20:51 The Long Road to Recovery

22:09 Battling Suicidal Thoughts and Finding Hope

25:21 Survivor's Pride: Honoring His Fallen Soldiers

27:32 Learning to Live with Prosthetics

32:23 The Responsibility of Being an Inspiration

41:56 Giving Back Through the Robert Irvine Foundation

53:08 The Meaning of Veterans Day

58:20 What Mike Values Most in Life

Mental Health Support

This episode includes a candid discussion about suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges during recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans and service members can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.

You are not alone, and support is available.

We’re grateful to the support of GOVX so we can continue to share these powerful stories. Head on over to https://www.govx.com for good deals that lead to a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project this month.