Navy SEAL and author of 'Lone Survivor' shares tales of life during Voices of Vision event

042023.B.FF.VOICESOFVISION — Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, right, speaks with emcee Brian Shawn during the Chamber's Voices of Vision event at the Sanford Health Athletic complex on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

By David Olson

April 20, 2023 at 7:10 PM

FARGO — Marcus Luttrell is famous for his service as a Navy SEAL and his best-selling book, "Lone Survivor."

The book and a subsequent movie of the same name detailed a harrowing mission Luttrell took part in in the mountains of Afghanistan that claimed the lives of several of Luttrell's fellow SEALs.

During an appearance in Fargo on Thursday, April 20, as part of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber's Voices of Vision series, Luttrell talked some about his days in the military and the losses he suffered on that mission.

But much of what Luttrell shared amounted to a thank you to those who showed up for his talk at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex.

Luttrell said he was grateful for them and for all of the people whose lives have intersected with his, because that connection, he said, helps him to not only survive, but thrive.

"Sitting around talking is how you got me back," Luttrell said.

"I learn something new from y'all everyday and, ultimately, that's what we're here for," he added.

With a manner that seemed relaxed and intense at the same time, Luttrell sprinkled his talk with observations that might be described as nuggets of wisdom one collects if permitted to live long enough.

Stating there's a war "in everything we do," Luttrell said one of the best but hardest ways to make it through is to "be yourself ... it usually blows people's minds."

As someone familiar with the power of weapons, Luttrell said among the most powerful are words, because they stay with people.

"It's really easy to hurt somebody. It is," he said. "But, it's also really easy to help somebody. And that flavor lasts a lot longer," he added.

As far as making it through war, or life, Luttrell said for him it comes down to something basic.

"I've been beaten to death — to death — more than one time. All I ever did was stand up. I just stood back up.

"That's all you gotta do," Luttrell added. "I don't care how hard you get hit. I don't care what hits you. If you can muster the strength just to stand up and let 'em look at you after it's done something to you, it changes the dynamic."

By David Olson

I'm a reporter and a photographer and sometimes I create videos to go with my stories.

I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and in my time with The Forum I have covered a number of beats, from cops and courts to business and education.

I've also written about UFOs, ghosts, dinosaur bones and the planet Pluto.

You may reach me by phone at 701-241-5555, or by email at dolson@forumcomm.com.

Navy SEAL and author of 'Lone Survivor' shares tales of life during Voices of Vision event

"Sitting around talking is how you got me back," Marcus Luttrell told his Fargo audience Thursday during the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber's Voices of Vision series.