ASHEBORO, NC--- A well-known Vietnam war veteran uses his experiences in war, to motivate people in their everyday lives. 

  • Lt. McClary is a former marine who lead patrols back in Vietnam. One patrol became his last after he was wounded five times, and lost his arm and eye. He was in the hospital for two and a half years
  • Now, he spends his time giving motivational speeches all over the world. He has spoken in all 50 states, and 48 foreign countries
  • Sunday, the famed former Marine spoke at a service at West Bend United Methodist Church in Asheboro

"We are all going to have some tough days, but keep on keeping on and don't quit," says Lt. Clebe McClary.

Lt. McClary is a former marine who lead patrols back in Vietnam. One patrol became his last after he was wounded five times, and lost his arm and eye. He was in the hospital for two and a half years.

"A lot of us go get knocked out, not in war but maybe a car wreck, maybe cancer, maybe financially, maybe a divorce, maybe a drinking problem, drug problem, don't let it ruin you, get up and get after it and do something else with your life," McClary said.

Now, he spends his time giving motivational speeches all over the world. He has spoken in all 50 states and 48 foreign countries. He said his motive is to get people thinking differently about life.

"We've got too many people you think just about ourselves, if you don't focus on yourself and reach out and try to touch somebody else and help them, I think it means a lot," he said. 

Sunday, the famed former Marine spoke at a service at West Bend United Methodist Church in Asheboro. He talked about his experiences as war, along with advocating for veterans and first responders. 

Miss North Carolina USA 2019, Laura Little, also attended the service and helped introduce McClary. She said she's known him for a long time, and feels inspired by the way he lives his life.

"I think Clebe is such a special person because he's gone through a lot, just physically when you see him you can see what he's endured for us and for Americans. So I think it's so special that he uses that platform to speak of God love," Little said.

McClary has been to Asheboro eight or nine time over the years; speaking at schools, corporations and rotaries. 

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