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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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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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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 -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
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.
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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 -
In this week's Urban Valor episode, Army & Marine Corps Veteran Harry Martinez shares his incredible journey from growing up in New Brunswick, NJ, to serving in the Army National Guard and the Marines.
With roots in Colombia, Harry’s upbringing instilled high standards that shaped his military career. He started with the Army National Guard, later becoming a Marine rifleman and joining the 1st Battalion 6th Marines Sniper Platoon as a PIG (Professional Instructed Gunman).
After his honorable discharge, Harry served as a police sniper and instructor before deploying as a Sniper Section Leader to Ramadi, Iraq. In this episode, Harry opens up about his experiences and his sniper teams' impact in Iraq. Get ready for one of the most gripping, detailed interviews yet, packed with mind-blowing stories you won't want to miss.
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Video Chapters:
00:55 Early Life
08:28 The Army
20:01 First Task Force
21:26 The Invasion
34:55 Becoming A Pig
57:20 Ramadi & Back
1:13:13 3rd ID
2:01:47 Christmas in Ramadi
2:34:53 Scars of Combat
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine #nationalguard #usarmy -
This week’s Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Sergeant Major Juan Hidalgo, a native of National City, CA. Inspired by his neighbor, a WWII veteran who shared stories of his service, Juan enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Tanker and joined the 1st Tank Battalion at Twentynine Palms, CA.
In this episode, Juan reflects on his experiences leading Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and his second deployment. His humility and dedication are evident as he speaks about the Marines he served with and the bonds they formed in combat.
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Video Chapters:
05:13 Military Career and Bootcamp Experience
10:05 Leadership and Brotherhood in Combat
25:50 Combat Reflections and Emotional Impact
50:27 Post-Service Life and Commitment to Service
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine -
This week’s Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jay grew up in what many would consider a privileged environment. He initially enlisted in the Navy's Aviation Officer Candidate School and earned his wings in 1987.
Seeking new challenges, Jay transitioned to the Marine Corps through an inter-service transfer, becoming a forward air controller and later earning his gold wings. In 2004, Jay took on the Special Operations Forces Liaison Officer role and deployed to Iraq, where he trained Iraqi Special Forces and faced intense combat in Fallujah. During this time, he met a stray dog named "Lava," embarking on a challenging journey to bring him back to San Diego, eventually making Lava his rescue dog.
Jay is also the author of two books: From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine and a Dog Named Lava and From Baghdad to America: Life After War for a Marine and His Rescued Dog. In this episode, Jay shares his experiences with trauma, his healing journey using psychedelics, and the impactful work he's doing within the veteran community.
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#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usmarine #marines #marineveteran -
In this episode of Urban Valor, we talk with US Army Veteran and double amputee Geoffrey Quevedo. Raised in Cutler, CA, in a traditional Mexican household where Spanish was his first language, Geoffrey was inspired to serve in the military by his brother-in-law, who was on active duty. He enlisted as a 19D Cavalry Scout and was deployed to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division.
Geoffrey shares the gripping reality of his deployment, describing the intense and unpredictable danger of patrolling as a mine sweeper. He recounts the day when an explosion changed his life forever, resulting in the loss of an arm and a leg.
Sadly, Geoffrey also opens up about the devastating aftermath that his teammate faced, a journey that ended in tragedy.
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Video Chapters:
01:30 - Introduction and Background
03:16 - Family Business
06:04 - Childhood and Early Challenges
14:14 - Joining the Army
17:07 - Basic Training
22:51 - Deployment and First Missions
28:21 - Learning About IEDs
37:00 - Article 15 Incident
42:34 - Accepting Punishment
48:38 - First Day in Combat Zone
1:01:05 - Losing a Comrade
1:07:55 - Learning from Rangers
1:16:40 - Geoffrey's Own Injury
1:34:23 - Leaving the Army
1:47:53 - Honoring Fallen Comrades
1:56:53 - Importance of Healthy Coping Mechanisms
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmyveteran #usarmy -
This week, Urban Valor features Army veteran Seth Gehle, who shares his powerful and emotional story. This is a hard listen. Growing up in Lima, Ohio, Seth faced unimaginable hardships as a child, which he bravely details in this episode. Despite his challenging upbringing, Seth joined the Army Reserves as a Chemical Equipment Repairman, but the instability in his life led him to shift to active duty as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Seth opens up about the struggles he faced in the military, battling insecurities rooted in his past. Breaking his silence has been crucial to healing and lightening the burden he's carried for so long.
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