Hardcore South-Central LA Gangster Rises to Retired Navy Master Chief

Urban Valor: the podcast

#Military #Military Interview #Government #Military News #Military Stories #Military Documentary #Veteran Story #Cinema #History #Urban Valor #CNN #Fox News #Veterans #War Stories

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

11 days ago 59:43

MP3•Episode home

From the violent streets of South Central LA to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy...this is the incredible true story of Raul Ramos. Drawn into gang life at just 11 years old, Raul had gang tattoos on his face by 13 and was living in one of the most dangerous environments in America. But at 18, he made a life-changing decision: joining the U.S. Navy. Rising to the rank of E9 Master Chief, Raul served for 24 years, overcoming immense challenges both on and off the battlefield.
In this powerful episode of Urban Valor, Raul shares raw, unfiltered stories about his early struggles, the harsh realities of gang culture, and the defining moment that pushed him to change his path. He dives into his military career, the battles he fought—both externally and internally—and how he now mentors at-risk youth, helping them break free from the cycle of violence.
👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation.
🗣️ 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:
00:00 – Introduction: From LA Streets to Navy Master Chief
00:44 – Childhood in South Central LA & Early Gang Involvement
05:08 – Getting Jumped into a Gang at Age 11
11:00 – Living the Gang Life: Violence, Crime, and Survival
19:06 – The Turning Point: A Military Commercial Changed Everything
23:12 – Facing Obstacles: Tattoos, Waivers & Enlisting in the Navy
30:56 – Boot Camp & Military Discipline: Adapting to a New Life
38:44 – Challenges at Sea: Deployments, Hazing & Survival
46:27 – Combat Operations: Supporting Troops on the Ground
52:30 – Retirement & Life After the Navy
55:15 – Giving Back: Mentoring At-Risk Youth & Inspiring Change
#military #warstories #urbanvalor #usnavy #navyveteran

173 episodes

Hardcore South-Central LA Gangster Rises to Retired Navy Master Chief

Urban Valor: the podcast

12 subscribers

published 11 days ago

MP3•Episode home

173 episodes

#Military #Military Interview #Government #Military News #Military Stories #Military Documentary #Veteran Story #Cinema #History #Urban Valor #CNN #Fox News #Veterans #War Stories

All episodes

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marines Face Brutal Combat in Iraq's Bloodiest Warzones 2:19:22

5 days ago2:19:22

2:19:22

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we feature Marine Captain Jason Angell, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Iraq War, including brutal combat in Ramadi and Hit. From relentless firefights to life-or-death situations, Jason takes us deep into the chaos of urban warfare, the unwavering courage of Marines, and the brotherhood that kept them pushing forward. Jason, a former U.S. Marine (1993-2008), served as both an infantryman and an officer. He takes us back to the early days of the Iraq invasion in 2003, leading up to some of the most intense battles Marines faced in Iraq’s most dangerous warzones. His stories reveal the brutal reality of modern warfare, the mental and physical toll on soldiers, and the moments that defined their service. Through the episode you will hear raw, unfiltered accounts of combat, leadership under fire, and the challenges faced by those who risk everything for their country. 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 00:00 - Explosive Discovery: EOD Marine Finds Live Rounds 03:50 - Who is Jason Angell? Marine Corps Journey Begins 07:01 - The Hardest Marines to Deal With in Training 12:00 - Overcoming Injury & Returning as an Officer 20:05 - Preparing for War: Deployment to Iraq in 2003 34:15 - Sadr City: Intense Combat & Unexpected Chaos 37:40 - Calling in A-10 Air Support Under Fire 52:04 - First Time Shot At Since the Invasion 1:02:46 - Partnering with the Legendary 506th Infantry 1:30:27 - Witnessing a Marine Lose His Leg in Battle 1:45:10 - Surviving a Sniper’s Bullet by Inches 2:02:47 - Transporting General Mattis Through a Warzone 2:10:05 - The Psychological Toll of War & Transitioning to Civilian Life 2:16:48 - Writing His Story: Honoring the Brotherhood #military #warstories #urbanvalor #usmarine #marines…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Hardcore South-Central LA Gangster Rises to Retired Navy Master Chief 59:43

11 days ago59:43

59:43

From the violent streets of South Central LA to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy...this is the incredible true story of Raul Ramos. Drawn into gang life at just 11 years old, Raul had gang tattoos on his face by 13 and was living in one of the most dangerous environments in America. But at 18, he made a life-changing decision: joining the U.S. Navy. Rising to the rank of E9 Master Chief, Raul served for 24 years, overcoming immense challenges both on and off the battlefield. In this powerful episode of Urban Valor, Raul shares raw, unfiltered stories about his early struggles, the harsh realities of gang culture, and the defining moment that pushed him to change his path. He dives into his military career, the battles he fought—both externally and internally—and how he now mentors at-risk youth, helping them break free from the cycle of violence. 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 00:00 – Introduction: From LA Streets to Navy Master Chief 00:44 – Childhood in South Central LA & Early Gang Involvement 05:08 – Getting Jumped into a Gang at Age 11 11:00 – Living the Gang Life: Violence, Crime, and Survival 19:06 – The Turning Point: A Military Commercial Changed Everything 23:12 – Facing Obstacles: Tattoos, Waivers & Enlisting in the Navy 30:56 – Boot Camp & Military Discipline: Adapting to a New Life 38:44 – Challenges at Sea: Deployments, Hazing & Survival 46:27 – Combat Operations: Supporting Troops on the Ground 52:30 – Retirement & Life After the Navy 55:15 – Giving Back: Mentoring At-Risk Youth & Inspiring Change #military #warstories #urbanvalor #usnavy #navyveteran…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Army Paratroopers Viciously Fight Taliban Trying to Overrun Their Position 2:31:03

19 days ago2:31:03

2:31:03

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. 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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 - 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marine Combat Vet Exposes the Military’s Biggest Betrayal! 45:51

26 days ago45:51

45:51

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! 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marines Recover Fallen Comrade Dragged and Hung in Town Square 58:52

5 weeks ago58:52

58:52

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 00:45 - 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Special Ops Medic Rescues Mom and Child Crushed by 110-ft Tree 1:24:04

6 weeks ago1:24:04

1:24:04

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 📌 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marine Survives Bloody Fallujah Mile and Ramadi’s Deadliest Streets 59:13

7 weeks ago59:13

59:13

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 00:46 - 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marine's Life-Altering Betrayal by His Recruiter 1:41:56

8 weeks ago1:41:56

1:41:56

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marine Prevents Tragedy by Disarming Fellow Comrade in Crisis 59:41

9 weeks ago59:41

59:41

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! 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation. 🗣️ 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: 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Army Special Forces Green Beret Medic Endures Multiple Brushes with Death 2:41:21

10 weeks ago2:41:21

2:41:21

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! 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Jack 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: 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Marine Veteran Reveals the Silent Deadly Battle Within Service 39:08

11 weeks ago39:08

39:08

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Kristine 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: 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
What It Really Takes to Survive Navy SEAL Hell Week (And Why Most Fail) 2:30:36

12 weeks ago2:30:36

2:30:36

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Johnny 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: 00:47 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Army Units Collide in Blue-on-Blue Firefight & MRAP Crash in Iraq 2:03:53

13 weeks ago2:03:53

2:03:53

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Daniel 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: 00:31 - 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
First Sergeant Reveals Brutal Truth Behind Training Marine Recruits 1:12:03

14 weeks ago1:12:03

1:12:03

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. 👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Mark 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: 00:37 - 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…

Urban Valor: the podcast

1
Army Combat Medic & Purple Heart Recipient Enlists in Marine Corps 2:04:58

15 weeks ago2:04:58