Veteran Sam Brown who suffered burns to his face, body claps back at Dems who called him 'weird': 'I'm proud of my scars'

Republican US Senate candidate from Nevada Sam Brown hit back at Democrats who labeled the scarred veteran "plain weird" on social media. Brown had been on a plane with JD Vance when the Nevada Democrats took a screenshot of the two and labeled them both as "plain weird" and "hypocrites."

"You can’t make this up: Sam Brown and JD Vance are claiming to be champions for hardworking Nevadans – from a private jet. They’re not only hypocrites… they’re just plain weird," the Nevada Democrats wrote. Brown's face is heavily scarred after sustaining burns over large portions of his body from when served in the United States Army in Afghanistan in 2008.

Brown responded in a video, "Hey guys, Sam Brown here. We had an incredible day on the campaign trail. But I got home tonight and saw an interesting message from the Democrats here calling my face weird." 

"It's not the first time, and it probably won't be the last time that I've been called weird because of my scars. And it's - I don't even really have a message for them. I have a message for anyone else out there who has been labeled or called weird because of the experiences that you've had," Brown continued.  "I am proud of my scars. They might look a little different, but it gives me an opportunity to encourage others. And so lean into it. Lean into the things that make you unique. Lean into the things that others might call weird, and realize that your experience, whether it's suffering or something else, gives you an opportunity to connect with others and give them hope."

Brown added in a call to others, "Whether it's visible like my scars or maybe invisible scars, we're all unique. We've all been given gifts, and we have people out there that want to label us based off of that. So, my message to you, to those of you who have been put down by others, is do not allow them to define you. Do not live out the narrative that they cast for your life." 

Brown's burns occurred in 2008 on the battlefield of Afghanistan when he heard that a nearby platoon had been ambushed and Brown led his own team to provide support. When he entered the engagement area of battle, a roadside bomb detonated under his vehicle's fuel tank. He was drenched in diesel fuel and was covered with flames. He was fortunate enough to have his life saved by another soldier at the time.  

Over the last week or so, Democrats have incessantly messaged that Republicans such as Vance as well as Brown are "weird" for various reasons. The messaging tact comes as Vice President Kamala Harris has entered the 2024 race for the presidency.