Episodios
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This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Danny Szczakowski, a former Airborne Infantry paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. From enduring a challenging childhood in Hereford, Texas, to facing intense combat in Afghanistan, Danny's story is one of resilience and sacrifice.
In this episode, he recounts multiple gunfights against the Taliban as they attempted to overrun their outpost, his harrowing experience recovering a fallen helicopter that claimed the lives of two pilots, and how his journey as a Drill Sergeant took an unexpected turn. Danny also opens up about the emotional toll of military service and a personal battle that led him into a dark mental space.
His story is one of courage, survival, and the unseen struggles of veterans after service. Watch as he shares firsthand accounts of combat, the lessons he’s learned, and his fight to find peace after war.
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Video Chapters:
00:44 - Childhood and Troubled Family Background
09:16 - Teenage Years and Finding Heavy Metal Community
17:38 - Joining the Military and Overcoming Fear of Heights
25:32 - Airborne Training and Arrival in Italy
33:07 - Deployment to Afghanistan and Combat Experience
49:05 - First Confirmed Kill and Taliban Execution
1:01:03 - Losing a Friend in Battle
1:33:28 - Becoming a Drill Sergeant and Leadership Challenges
2:10:02 - Mental Health Struggles and Rediscovering Faith
2:22:36 - Launching a Veteran Support Project
#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #taliban -
This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Marine veteran Andrew Higgins, who shares the brutal reality of military transition. After enlisting as an 0311 Rifleman, Andrew deployed to Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening situations and the psychological conditioning of becoming a warfighter.
Now a Readjustment Counselor and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Andrew exposes the military’s most significant failure—its lack of support for transitioning veterans. He discusses the emotional toll of combat, the struggles of reintegration, and whether the responsibility for helping veterans transition should fall on the military or outside organizations.
If you’ve ever wondered about the mental challenges veterans face after service, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. What do you think? Should the military do more to support transitioning veterans? Comment below!
🚨 We Need Your Help Improving Veteran Support! 🚨
Andrew is conducting a research study on veteran reintegration experiences, and your input can help shape future support programs. If you are a U.S. military veteran, please take 8 minutes to complete this confidential survey:
👉 Take the Survey Here: https://alliant.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yAyHVylSQzoflQ
Your participation is crucial in helping improve resources for veterans. Mental health support resources are provided regardless of completion.
What do you think? Should the military do more to support transitioning veterans? Drop a comment below!
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🗣️ Comment your support or ask any questions. Sometimes, our interviewees respond, and we at Urban Valor will do our best to respond as well!
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Video Chapters:
01:15 – Growing Up in a Conservative Household
03:45 – Why I Joined the Marines: A Fascination with Death
06:10 – The Harsh Realities of Boot Camp & Marine Culture
09:30 – Combat Deployment to Afghanistan: Facing Life & Death
14:20 – Returning Home: The Unexpected Struggles of Reintegration
19:45 – Why the Military Fails Veterans After Service
24:00 – PTSD, Depression & The Silent Battle Veterans Fight
28:30 – From Warfighter to Therapist: Helping Veterans Heal
32:15 – How to Fix Veteran Transition: Who’s Responsible?
#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #mentalhealth #veteranmentalhealth -
¿Faltan episodios?
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Marine veteran Chris Mansfield shares his story of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where he and his unit were tasked with a harrowing mission: recovering Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, a fallen Marine who was captured, dragged through the streets, and hung in the town center of Nasiriyah before being buried in a landfill.
In this episode of Urban Valor, Chris reflects on his journey from growing up between South Shore, MA, and Amherst, NH, seeking validation through the Marine Corps, and ultimately serving as an 0351 Antitank Assaultman with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. He opens up about the mental and emotional toll of war, the intense bonds forged in combat, and the struggles of transitioning back to civilian life.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:45 - Growing Up Between Two Worlds (South Shore, MA & Amherst, NH)
02:10 - Enlisting in the Marine Corps for Validation
04:00 - Boot Camp on Halloween Night: A Brutal Introduction
06:30 - The Reality of War: Deployment and 9/11’s Impact
09:45 - The Mission: Recovering a Fallen Marine
12:20 - Entering Nasiriyah: A Dangerous Operation
15:40 - Finding Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez’s Body
18:30 - Carrying Him Home: A Moment of Brotherhood
22:15 - The Aftermath: Returning from Combat
25:50 - Struggles with PTSD, Alcoholism & Civilian Life
30:10 - Hitting Rock Bottom & Seeking Help
35:45 - Mental Health, Recovery & Helping Fellow Veterans
#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories #veteran -
This week’s Urban Valor episode features Rory Farrell, a retired Navy Special Operations Corpsman (2004-2024), who shares his journey through the military and beyond.
Growing up in Colchester, CT, Rory was deeply impacted by 9/11, which inspired him to enlist in the Navy. He pursued the Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman pipeline, undergoing some of the most grueling training in military history to become a Special Ops Medic.
Throughout his career, Rory faced intense challenges, including a flashbang accident that nearly cost him his hand, and a shocking attempt by a superior officer to sabotage his career. However, one of his most extraordinary moments came when he rescued a mother and her child after a 110-ft tree crushed their car at Yosemite National Park. His quick thinking and elite medical training saved their lives, demonstrating the resilience, sacrifice, and heroism that define special operations forces.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
📌 01:15 - Growing Up in Colchester, CT & 9/11’s Impact
📌 02:45 - Enlisting in the Navy & Special Ops Training
📌 05:30 - Becoming a Special Operations Corpsman (Recon IDC)
📌 08:10 - Intense Military Training & Surviving Sleep Deprivation
📌 11:25 - Near-Fatal Flashbang Accident: Losing Part of His Hand
📌 15:40 - Career Sabotage Attempt by a Superior Officer
📌 20:50 - Deployments & Life-Saving Medical Interventions
📌 27:00 - Rescuing a Mom & Child After 110-ft Tree Crash
📌 33:15 - How Military Training Prepared Him for Real-Life Emergencies
📌 38:00 - The Importance of Veterans' Transition Planning
📌 42:30 - Lessons in Leadership & Overcoming Adversity
📌 47:00 - Final Reflections & Advice for Future Service Members
#military #warstories #urbanvalor #navy #warstories #veteranpodcast -
Marine Veteran Brian Mendez takes us inside the brutal battles of Fallujah and Ramadi, sharing his experiences fighting through the Fallujah Mile, one of the deadliest combat zones of the Iraq War.
In this episode of Urban Valor, Brian reflects on the mental and emotional toll of war, his battle with PTSD, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became his saving grace. From enlisting after 9/11 to becoming a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, Brian’s journey is one of resilience, survival, and redemption.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:46 - Growing Up in California & Family Challenges
01:49 - Discovering Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts Influence
03:27 - How 9/11 Inspired Him to Join the Marines
05:00 - Choosing the Infantry & Marine Corps Training
07:49 - Boot Camp & Martial Arts Testing in the Marines
14:50 - Deploying to Iraq: First Battle of Fallujah
17:00 - Surviving the Fallujah Mile – Intense Combat Stories
18:31 - Foreign Fighters in Fallujah & the Reality of War
20:33 - Ramadi’s Deadliest Streets & The IED Threat
27:52 - Coping with PTSD & Post-War Struggles
39:33 - Finding Purpose Through Jiu-Jitsu After Combat
45:48 - Overcoming Alcoholism & The Road to Recovery
51:30 - Opening His Own Jiu-Jitsu Academy
53:29 - COVID-19 Setbacks & Rebuilding His Business
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast -
In this week’s Urban Valor episode, we feature Marine veteran Michael D’Angelo, a Las Vegas native who overcame a turbulent upbringing marked by homelessness and family struggles.
Michael shares his journey from running the streets to enlisting in the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. He opens up about how a recruiter’s deception left him in the Reserves instead of active duty, leading to years of frustration and mental health challenges as he tried to transfer to active duty without support from his command.
This powerful story highlights resilience, perseverance, and the unseen struggles many veterans face during and after their service.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
01:12 - Childhood Challenges
05:41 - Turning Point: Choosing the Marines
11:04 - Recruiter’s Deception
16:28 - Struggles in the Reserves
21:46 - Mental Health Impact
29:27 - Finding Resilience and Moving Forward
37:34 - Life After the Marines
45:24 - Lessons Learned
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast -
In this powerful Urban Valor episode, Marine veteran Chris Skinner shares his gripping story of courage and quick thinking that prevented a potential tragedy. Serving in the U.S. Marines as a Combat Logistics Specialist from 2016 to 2022, Chris recalls his most pivotal moment—disarming a fellow Marine who was on the brink of taking his life. Through his heartfelt account, Chris discusses the pressures of military life, the bonds forged in service, and the importance of mental health awareness.
Chris also reflects on his journey from boot camp to becoming a Marksmanship Instructor, offering insights into leadership, resilience, and the value of being there for others in their darkest moments.
💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Chris's story? Let us know in the comments!
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
01:42 - Family Legacy of Service
03:22 - Choosing the Marine Corps
10:31 - Harsh Realities of Boot Camp
13:12 - Rising Through the Ranks
40:30 - Disarming a Comrade in Crisis
52:53 - Transitioning to Civilian Life
54:35 - Lessons in Resilience and Recovery
57:34 - Reflections on Service and Brotherhood
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast -
In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army Green Beret and Special Forces Medic, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jacek “Jack” Waliszewski. A political refugee from Poland, Jack’s life was shaped by his father’s role in co-founding the Solidarity Movement, one of the most successful anti-communist revolutions in history.
Jack takes us deep into his world as a Green Beret, revealing the extreme trauma he faced in combat, the life-threatening situations he endured, and how these experiences impacted his mental health and family life. From war zones to near-death encounters, Jack opens up about the realities of serving in Special Forces and what it means to survive both on and off the battlefield.
💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Jack’s story? Let us know in the comments!
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
04:27 - Family Legacy & Political Influence
08:14 - Loss of Faith & Personal Struggles
16:13 - Early Life, Adventures & Military Decision
24:04 - Surviving Combat & Military Training Challenges
40:11 - The Reality of Battlefield Medicine
47:08 - Witnessing Death & Emotional Toll
51:52 - Survivor’s Guilt & Lessons from War
55:45 - The Psychological Toll of Combat
1:00:02 - Near-Death Experiences & Escaping Fate
1:15:20 - Military Camaraderie & Brotherhood
1:31:28 - Balancing Family & Military Life
1:35:29 - Preparing for Another Mission
1:39:28 - Integrating Into Special Forces Teams
1:43:39 - Documenting War & The Retrograde Film
1:51:14 - The Complexities of War & Diplomacy
2:07:59 - PTSD & The Challenges of Coming Home
2:12:05 - Hitting Rock Bottom & Seeking Help
2:24:34 - The Healing Process & Moving Forward
2:33:27 - Accountability & Personal Growth
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #army #warstories #veteranpodcast -
In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Kristine Phanthavilay, a former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant (E6) and Motor Transport Mechanic (2006-2010). Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Kristine joined the Marine Corps after struggling in college, looking for something more. She shares what it was like growing up as a first-generation American from Laotian refugee parents, knowing little about the military until 9/11 changed everything.
Kristine opens up about the mental and physical challenges of boot camp, the pressure of being a female Marine, and the difficult leadership she faced during her service. She also speaks candidly about the emotional toll of military life, including the loss of fellow service members and the struggles veterans face transitioning back to civilian life. After leaving active duty to raise her child, she realized how much she missed the Marines and returned to the Reserves, balancing military life with single motherhood.
This conversation sheds light on the real mental health challenges that veterans face, the gaps in military support, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. Kristine’s story is one of strength, heartbreak, and finding purpose despite the struggles. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health challenges, reach out—support is available.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
04:33 - Boot Camp Struggles & Proving Herself
10:58 - Toxic Leadership & Mental Health Battles
16:34 - Life After the Marines & Returning to the Reserves
20:21 - Losing Friends to Self-Inflicted Wounds & Coping with Grief
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmy #usarmyveteran #warstories #veteranpodcast -
This episode of Urban Valor highlights the incredible life of U.S. Navy SEAL veteran Johnny Collins. Growing up in Sykesville, Maryland, Johnny overcame personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, to pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL.
Enduring six grueling BUD/S classes and three Hell Weeks, he demonstrated determination to earn the coveted SEAL Trident.
Johnny shares powerful stories of rigorous training, deployment experiences, and how he transitioned his tactical skills into civilian success.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:47 Impact of Parents' Divorce
01:21 Becoming a Navy SEAL
04:19 Pre-Navy Life
07:53 First Phase of BUD/S: Physical and Mental Challenges
12:25 Hell Week: The Ultimate Test of Endurance
16:15 Tight Timelines and Training Routines in BUD/S
20:33 Overcoming Setbacks and the Journey Through Medical Rolls
24:15 Hell Week Revisited: Grit and Determination
32:31 Pool Comp and Facing Personal Fears
40:25 Transition to Second Phase and Underwater Training
57:15 Returning to BUD/S After Medical Setbacks
1:13:20 Earning the SEAL Trident and Graduation Day
1:36:09 Deployment Experiences and Working with Service Dogs
2:07:36 Transition to Civilian Life and Reflections on the Navy
2:23:13 Current Role as Safety Director and Life Beyond Service
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmy #usarmyveteran #warstories #veteranpodcast -
This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Daniel Perez. Born in Riverside, CA, Daniel grew up in a challenging childhood marked by his parents' separation and lack of supervision. His early years were consumed by fighting, drug use, and being expelled from high school.
Motivated by stories of Iraqi sniper "Juba," Daniel enlisted in the Army National Guard as an 11B infantryman. His deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan brought harrowing experiences, including a blue-on-blue firefight, MRAP crashes, and tense confrontations with civilians in life-or-death scenarios.
Daniel's story also discusses the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, from battling mental health struggles to finding his footing after the Army.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:31 - Childhood Challenges and Family Separation
01:52 - Struggles with ADD and Early School Issues
02:59 - Turning to Drugs and Fighting
11:25 - Military Inspiration from Childhood War Movies
18:37 - Enlisting in the Army National Guard
28:34 - Intense Combat and Blue-on-Blue Firefight
45:55 - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Challenges
56:12 - Life-Altering Decisions in Combat
1:24:57 - Survivor's Guilt and Post-Combat Struggles
1:45:47 - Transitioning to Civilian Life
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmy #usarmyveteran #warstories #veteranpodcast -
In this week’s Urban Valor episode, retired Marine First Sergeant Mark Wheatley shares gripping stories from his 24 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps (1975–1999). Born at Kirtland Air Force Base, Mark grew up in a military family but broke tradition by joining the Marines instead of the Air Force.
Mark reveals truths about his time as a Drill Instructor, the challenges of transforming civilians into battle-ready Marines, and what separates good instructors from the bad.
He also opens up about his transition to civilian life, the mental resilience it requires, and his advice for veterans struggling to adapt.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:37 - Mark’s Military Roots
01:14 - A Life-Changing Decision
02:18 - Choosing the Marine Corps
04:29 - Broken Recruitment Promises
06:36 - Life in Training and Administration
10:35 - Yuma Memories and Harsh Realities
12:42 - Leadership Lessons from a First Sergeant
14:25 - Tensions During South Korean Conflict
20:14 - Honoring Fallen Marines
24:40 - Life as a Drill Instructor
32:13 - Discipline and Compassion in Training
45:53 - Confronting Racial Tensions
54:00 - Transitioning to Civilian Life
1:02:11 - Advice for Veterans on PTSD
1:10:16 - Honoring All Who Serve
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast -
This week on the Urban Valor Podcast, we meet Cory Carranza, a Purple Heart recipient and Army and Marine Corps veteran. Cory’s story begins in Banning, CA, where he endured heartbreaking childhood trauma. After witnessing a horrific event as a kid, Cory turned to the Army when college didn’t work out, becoming a 91B Combat Medic.
In this episode, Cory takes us through his combat deployment to Iraq, surviving a harrowing ambush where multiple RPGs struck his Humvee. Despite his injuries, Cory pushed forward and enlisted in the Marine Corps, attending boot camp as a decorated combat veteran.
Cory reflects on how his past shaped him, the toll of his experiences, and the strategies he uses to stay mentally strong.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast -
This week on Urban Valor, we highlight the incredible journey of Marine Veteran William Kaisen. Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Will grew up in a challenging environment just miles from New York City. At just 15 years old, he witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, which deeply influenced his decision to serve his country.
Driven by a lifelong dream to become a Marine, Will enlisted as an infantry rifleman. In this emotional episode, he shares the harrowing details of January 7, 2006—the worst day of his life. That day, three of his Marine brothers were killed in action, and later, while on post in Fallujah, Will was shot in the head by an enemy sniper. Despite his critical injury, Will and his teammate bravely fought their way through the kill zone.
Will also opens up about the emotional toll of his second deployment to Fallujah, how combat trauma shaped his life, and his eventual decision to leave the Marine Corps.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
02:00 - Early Life and Upbringing
07:00 - Joining the Marines
15:00 - Life as a Marine
33:00 - The Car Accident
45:00 - Deployment to Fallujah
57:00 - Combat and Loss
1:17:00 - Mental Health and Recovery
2:00:00 - Reflection and Purpose
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #battleoffallujah #marines #warstories -
In this Urban Valor episode, Navy Corpsman veteran Clint Peyton shares his journey from Corpus Christi, TX, to serving in the Navy. Raised in San Diego, Clint left high school early to work construction before enlisting as a Hospital Corpsman.
Assigned to a Marine Corps helicopter squadron, he flew missions during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing critical medical care in some of the war's deadliest battles, including Al Nasiriyah and the Second Battle of Fallujah. Clint reflects on his intense combat experiences and how they shaped his transition back to civilian life.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
03:11 - Life Before the Navy
06:05 - Enlisting in the Navy
14:31 - Becoming a Hospital Corpsman
20:24 - Deploying to Iraq
34:51 - Battle of Al Nasiriyah
41:18 - Second Battle of Fallujah
56:24 - Losses in Combat
1:09:56 - Struggles with Transition
1:37:47 - Therapy and Recovery
1:46:41 - Finding Purpose After Service
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #battleoffallujah #usnavy #warstories -
Marine veteran Darnell Golden shares his incredible journey from a troubled neighborhood and early life in Baltimore to the battlefield of the Second Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest Marine Corps battle since Vietnam.
Darnell credits his grandfather for molding him into the man he is today and for the reason he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Darnell enlisted as a Radio Operator and never expected to see combat during his time in the Marines. . In this episode, Darnell also gives a detailed account of his Marine Corps boot camp experience.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:39 - Growing Up in West Baltimore
05:28 - Finding Strength in Adversity
13:00 - Joining the Marine Corps
20:22 - Boot Camp Challenges
43:05 - Deployment to Iraq
55:55 - Facing Life and Death
1:13:15 - The Battle of Fallujah
1:23:00 - Coping with Loss
1:30:32 - Returning Home
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #battleoffallujah #usmarine #warstories -
This week’s Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and Navy Cross recipient Aubrey McDade Jr. Aubrey was born in Pasadena, CA, but grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.
He lived in a rough neighborhood and witnessed a lot of violence at a young age. Aubrey enlisted into the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. In this episode, he shares his experience in The Second Battle of Fallujah, where he made several trips under intense enemy fire during an ambush to save the lives of two Marines.
Aubrey received the Navy Cross for his actions on that day of 11/11/2004. He also shares his experience of his time as a Marine Drill Instructor.
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Video Chapters:
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #battleoffallujah #usmarine #warstories -
In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Army Blackhawk Pilot Veteran Josh Halu, who shares his journey from a challenging childhood to serving as a Battle Captain in Afghanistan.
Born in Jerusalem and raised in Denver, Josh faced unimaginable hardship at a young age, with his father’s tragic death marking a pivotal moment in his life. Fueled by resilience, he set his sights on West Point, ultimately becoming a US Army Blackhawk pilot.
Join us as Josh opens up about his experiences in Afghanistan, where he led critical rescue missions for downed aircraft, known as “Fallen Angels,” in hostile territory. Josh also discusses his path to healing and the methods he's used to cope with trauma.
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Video Chapters:
07:38 Joining West Point
47:20 Intro Afghanistan
1:19:49 Wounds and Trails
1:27:28 New Opportunity
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmy -
In this episode of Urban Valor, Marine veteran Brandon Hagar, a former U.S. Marine Infantryman (2017-2021, E4/Corporal), shares the tragic story of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) mishap that resulted in the deaths of 8 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsman.
Brandon, from Turlock, CA, opens up about the toxic leadership within his command, describing how constant micromanagement and leadership failures contributed to this tragic event. The AAV sinking marked one of the darkest moments in his military career, with Brandon reflecting on how it highlighted severe Marine Corps leadership issues.
Brandon’s journey didn’t end there. Despite the trauma of his enlistment, he found a new purpose in life after leaving the Marines. Today, he helps veterans rediscover their purpose through nutrition coaching and powerlifting, supporting those struggling with their post-military lives.
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Video Chapters:
00:00 - The Tragic Amphibious Assault Vehicle Incident
00:39 - Brandon Hagar's Rough Upbringing
03:25 - Struggles with Confidence and Social Anxiety
04:18 - A Life-Changing Decision: Fitness and Discipline
06:30 - Joining the Marine Corps Infantry
08:05 - Challenges in Boot Camp and Infantry
11:24 - Marine Corps Camaraderie and Early Impressions
14:04 - Command Structure Changes and Hazing Issues
20:32 - Stress and Lack of Accountability in the Marines
28:22 - Quarantine and COVID-19 Challenges
32:57 - Leadership Failures in the AAV Incident
39:03 - Deployment, Frustration, and Resentment
45:12 - Post-Marine Corps Struggles with Mental and Physical Health
48:00 - Finding Purpose: Helping Veterans as a Coach
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine -
In this episode of Urban Valor, we welcome back Army and Marine veteran Harry Martinez. Last week, Harry shared his journey growing up in Brunswick, NJ, joining the Army National Guard, and later transitioning to the Marines where he became part of the 1st Battalion 6th Marines Sniper Platoon as a PIG (Professional Instructed Gunman).
This week, Harry reflects on his combat deployments. Still, the focus shifts to a powerful story about how he and his two Marine combat veteran sons teamed up with the Peshmerga to fight ISIS in Iraq as civilians.
Harry how, after overhearing his sons' plans to join the fight, he felt compelled to go with them, unable to let his bloodline face the danger alone. In the end, this experience impacted his mental health, fighting alongside his sons.
👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Harry and/or Urban Valor.
🗣️ Comment your support or ask any questions. Sometimes, our interviewees respond, and we at Urban Valor will do our best to respond as well!
✅ SUBSCRIBE to support Urban Valor and the courageous Veterans who tell their stories AND so you NEVER miss a weekly episode of our veteran stories. New stories every Sunday!
Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
00:44 - Harry’s Military Career and Background
02:21 - Volunteering for Deployment to Afghanistan
07:41 - Reassigned to Company Intel Support Team
11:46 - Leadership and a Paradigm Shift
18:39 - Ambush and Survival Tactics
25:50 - Snider’s Brave Retrieval of Supplies
29:31 - Cultural Conflicts and Tensions with Afghan Soldiers
36:37 - Struggles with the Afghanistan War and AWOL
44:08 - Returning to Fight ISIS with His Sons
54:04 - The Battle of SAR and Humanitarian Crisis
1:04:36 - Seeking Air Support in the Fight Against ISIS
1:12:10 - Reflections on His Sons and Combat
1:18:58 - Focused Combat and Protecting His Sons
1:55:44 - Returning Home and the Struggles of Transition
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine #usarmy - Mostrar más
