Decorated Army officer turned warrior‑advocate Rudy De La Rosa opens up like never before: marked for death by the Mexican Mafia as a teenager, pulled into gang violence, homeless, and staring down his own destruction—before trading bullets for a uniform and fighting for something bigger than himself. 

In this Urban Valor Podcast episode, we dig into generational trauma, gang warfare in East LA & the 605 freeway corridor, the “green‑light” hit list, then military service in the U.S. Army, combat in Afghanistan, lifting the weight off his family’s legacy, and rewriting his story.

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Video chapters: 
00:00 – 00:19 | Knife from the Kitchen: Childhood Horror  
00:19 – 00:53 | “We’re Going to War”: Realizing Violence at Home  
00:53 – 01:28 | Origins: Santa Monica to Whittier, Early Life  
01:28 – 03:08 | Generational Trauma: Grandfather in WWII, Father in Vietnam  
03:08 – 06:52 | War‑Scars Passed Down: Navy, PTSD & Family Violence  
06:52 – 09:13 | A Father’s Advice: “If You Don’t Go to War You’re Not a Man”  
09:13 – 12:49 | Teenage Years: Gang Culture, Identity Crisis & Survival  
12:49 – 16:17 | The Neighborhood, Vultures of Divorce & Facing Harsh Reality  
16:17 – 19:36 | High School Years: Gang Affiliation, “Green Light” Hit List  
19:36 – 24:16 | Targeted, Stalked, Almost Killed: The Green Light Turns Real  
24:16 – 27:15 | Homelessness, Dropping Out & the Turning Point  
27:15 – 30:23 | Joining the Army: From Gang Life to Uniform  
30:23 – 36:04 | Military Career Begins: MP to Officer Candidate School  
36:04 – 43:12 | Combat Tour & Afghanistan: Facing War on a Global Stage  
43:12 – 47:42 | Leadership, Family Sacrifice & Choosing What Matters  
47:42 – 54:06 | 9/11 Moment: From Barracks to Battle  
54:06 – 58:59 | Deployment Realities & Mission Focus  
58:59 – 1:04:30 | The Policy Fight: Military Kids, Mental Health & Advocacy  
1:04:30 – 1:10:52 | Homecoming, Reflection & The Afghan Exit  
1:10:52 – 1:16:06 | Career End, Civilian Life & Legacy  
1:16:06 – 1:24:26 | From Soldier to Advocate: Changing the System  
1:24:26 – End | Final Thoughts: Purpose, Service & True North  

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #usarmy  #warstories

This might be one of the wildest Marine Corps stories we’ve ever had on the show. Retired Marine First Sergeant Randall Parkes sat down with Urban Valor to share some of the funniest, most unbelievable, and downright fcked up* moments from his 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. From barracks inspections gone wrong, to combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a real-life rescue that helped spark the Abraham Accords — this episode has everything.

Randall gets brutally honest about what it’s like to lead Marines, deal with chaos as a First Sergeant, and balance discipline with dark military humor. He shares raw, hilarious, and emotional moments from his time in recon, MARSOC, boot camp, and even his post-military life — from real estate success to landing a job at Anduril.

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Video chapters: 
0:00 – Flashlight Incident & Barracks Inspection Chaos
2:00 – Marine Corps Wartime Service Overview
3:50 – First Deployment & Recon Battalion Life
6:00 – Becoming a First Sergeant: The Good, Bad & Absurd
10:00 – DUI Drama & Naked Room Inspections
16:00 – Life on Ship & Wild Company Commanders
20:45 – Djibouti Jump Missions & Mission Cancellations
23:50 – Corpsman Save Emirati Prince's Life
27:00 – Condom Bowl Fiasco
30:00 – Transition to Drill Instructor Life in San Diego
34:30 – Depot Life & Suicide Watch Recruit
37:00 – Thumbtack Inspection & Culture Shift in Training
41:00 – Screwing With Recruits (In Good Fun)
44:15 – First Transgender Recruit Experience
50:00 – Honest Reflection on Inclusive Boot Camp
55:00 – Career Climax & Transition Plans
1:03:00 – Battles with Retirement Orders
1:10:00 – Hating Corporate Life After Service
1:15:00 – Finding New Purpose at Anduril
1:17:00 – Final Reflections: From First Sergeant to Civilian

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #usmarines  #warstories

What do you do when your Humvee gets rocked by an IED blast… and a suspicious car creeps toward you through the dust? Most people freeze. Navy Corpsman Noi Dumpit didn't. He confronted the driver — thinking it could be his last moment — and somehow chose not to pull the trigger.

In this episode of Urban Valor, Noi relives the chaos of Fallujah, where life and death blurred by the second. He breaks down the day his Humvee was launched into the air by a vehicle-borne IED, and the surreal moment that followed when he faced a possible suicide bomber.

But the IED blast was only one chapter. Noi also opens up about his post-deployment struggles, the moral confusion of letting terrorists through checkpoints, and how martial arts eventually became his path to healing. From battlefield trauma to rebuilding a business back home, this story is raw, real, and unforgettable.

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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.

Video chapters: 
00:00 – IED Blast Hits Humvee in Fallujah
00:49 – Struggling With Life After Service
01:33 – Grandfather's Heroic WWII Legacy
07:54 – Entering the Navy Corpsman Pipeline
13:10 – Tense Calls and Close Calls in Iraq
23:37 – Encountering Civilians in a Warzone
31:27 – Tribal Tensions and Healing the Wounded
37:01 – Confronting a Suspected Bomber
45:00 – Training Iraqi Forces Under Fire
50:07 – The Moral Conflict at Checkpoints
57:39 – The Mental War After the War
1:08:22 – Finding Healing Through Martial Arts
1:20:53 – PTSD Therapy and Unfinished Memories
1:26:04 – Rebuilding a Life After Chaos

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories

This week on Urban Valor,  we chat with Sergeant Major Alex Caro. Alex's journey began in Brooklyn, NY, where he overcame the challenges of gang-dominated streets and avoiding the gang lifestyle. His inspiration to join the Marines came from when he joined the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC).

In his military career, Alex started with an open contract, assigned to be a Inventory Management Specialist. He has served in critical deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, and as a Marine Security Guard. At the time of this interview, Alex was a First Sergeant, now proudly holding the position of Sergeant Major.

Alex's episode focuses on the importance of military transition programs, offering insights for those following a similar path. 

Do NOT miss this New Episode of Urban Valor! 

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#military #marines #urbanvalor #war #combat #combatveteran #marines #warstories

In Today's episode of Urban Valor, we have Guest Army veteran Chris Cleland. Growing up in El Monte, California, Chris found himself in trouble, leading to an arrest for grand theft auto. But he turned his life around by joining the Army Infantry, a decision that took him on several deployments to Iraq.

You'll get to hear first hand the challenges Chris and his unit faced, especially their encounters with IEDs. He shares his stories from Baghdad, one in particular, where Chris's unit was distributing toys to local children. Tragically, during this act of kindness, an explosive event occurred, resulting in the loss of 27 lives, including many children and Army Specialist Benyahmin Yahudah.

Chris also opens up about the mental health struggles that many veterans face. Including his own experiences and how he's now dedicated to helping other veterans adjust to life after service, discussing the need for support and understanding for those who've served.

Do NOT miss this POWERFUL New Episode of Urban Valor! 

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#military #marines #urbanvalor #war #combat #combatveteran #marines #warstories

This weeks episode from Urban Valor features Robert Wood. Born in Bellflower, California, and raised in Buena Park, Robert's life was forever changed when his mother saw his bullet-riddled car on the news. Faced with a life-altering decision, Robert chose the path of Valor, enlisting in the Marine Corps over moving to Mexico or attending college out of state. His life in the military saw him become a skilled Radio Operator with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance, where he became good friends with Jaime Nicholson, a fellow Marine. We find ourselves taking an emotional in this episode as Robert recounts Jaime's untimely death, a loss deeply intertwined with the challenges of mental health after military service.

Post-Marines, Robert's service continued as a firefighter at Camp Pendleton, confronting the harrowing reality of active-duty self-inflicted deaths.

Do NOT miss this POWERFUL New Episode of Urban Valor! 

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#military #marines #urbanvalor #war #combat #marines #warstories

From the small town of Bloomville, Ohio, Maranda Moon's early life was fraught with challenges. Her journey to the Marine Corps stands as a powerful testament to resilience and courage.

Maranda's childhood was marked by financial hardship and a critical father, driving her to seek a new beginning. Enlistment became her escape route to California, a dream sold to her by Marine Corps recruiters. Yet, the dream was not without its shadows. Maranda's story darkens as she faces the grim reality of an abusive marriage within the Marines, highlighting the struggles that some service members endure.

After her service, Maranda set herself on a path of personal healing and growth. She turned to exercise and alternative medicine for strength and peace, eventually starting her own business centered on medicinal mushrooms. Her goal is now to assist others in improving their physical and mental health.

Do NOT miss this POWERFUL New Episode of Urban Valor! 

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#military #marines #urbanvalor #war #combat #combatveteran #marines #warstories

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Prime Hall. Prime grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas on North Padre Island. He battled his way out of a troubled childhood, attended military school to refine his discipline, and unexpectedly developed street smarts. Through his sit down with Urban Valor's Josh Gutierrez, Prime overcame an extensive criminal history to earn his spot inside the Marine Corps and, eventually,  earned his way into the Marine Special Operations Command. He shares his harrowing experiences in combat, including an Afghan insider attack, and sheds light on the daunting challenges of transitioning back into civilian life as a combat veteran. Prime is a Co-Founder of Deep End Fitness and The Underwater Torpedo League, which focuses on optimizing human performance in and out of the water.

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#military #marines #urbanvalor #war #combat #combatveteran #marines #warstories

Welcome back to Urban Valor, where we have the incredible Marine veteran, Byron Rodgers, joining us once again!

In this episode, Byron shares his remarkable life experiences and discusses the profound belief that he has been divinely protected throughout his journey. His stories include a chilling childhood encounter when intruders broke into his family's home, a near-death experience in Iraq after surviving a massive IED blast, a haunting incident where he mistakenly believed a comrade was dead and zipped him up in a body bag, and the heart-pounding moment when he unknowingly picked up a live IED that could have torn him apart. Byron also reveals the extraordinary religious experiences he encountered while serving overseas. 

Join us in this episode to hear all about Byron Rodgers' extraordinary life and the role of faith played in his incredible journey. 

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more inspiring content!

In this week's Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Marine Veteran Annika Hutsler to discuss her remarkable journey. Annika's story begins in Aurora, Colorado. Her life took a turn after high school when she decided that college wasn't for her. Inspired by a fellow student, she made the life-changing decision to join the military.

Around the halfway mark of her boot camp, she began experiencing a lot of foot pain. Little did she know, this pain would lead to a life-altering discovery - an unexpected tumor in her foot. This shocking diagnosis ultimately led to her becoming an amputee, challenging her physically and emotionally.

She didn't let her disability define her; instead, she became an elite sports athlete, participating in various adaptive sports. Moreover, she ventured into the world of modeling, breaking barriers and showcasing that disabilities don't limit one's potential, despite being a Marine amputee.

Don't miss this extraordinary conversation with Annika Hutsler.

#military #veteran #Urbanvalor #marines #usmarines

After witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, more than the devastation, what stood out was the unyielding unity on 9/12, showcasing the resilience of the American people. You won't want to miss this week's Urban Valor episode!

Kevin served as a Motor Transport Mechanic in the Marine Corps for 6 years. But life after service wasn't exactly what he thought it would be. After receiving an honorable discharge, Kevin, his wife and their 4-year-old son, faced one of life's harshest realities - homelessness.

Even when faced with dire circumstances, Kevin's spirit never wavered. His determination, ambition, and sheer willpower set him on a path of success! Today, he stands tall as a successful barber, a true example! From serving his country to conquering adversity. He never gave up! 

If you're looking for an uplifting tale of triumph over challenges in pursuit of a better life, you don't want to miss this episode!


#military #veteran #urbanvalor #veterans #marines #usmarines

In this week's gripping Urban Valor episode, we listen to the extraordinary life of Coast Guard veteran, Juan Reyes. Born and raised in Colombia, Juan’s brave trek to the United States is a story of courage and resilience.

At just 8 years old, Juan and his mother started the long trek from Colombia to the United States with the help of Coyotes. Their journey took them to a terrifying stay at a house in Panama, under constant threat from drive-by shootings. Despite these hardships, Juan and his mother successfully escaped to the United States, demonstrating determination and hope for a better life!

Juan would go on to enlist in the US Coast Guard. Working with law enforcement interdiction teams, he played a crucial role in anti-drug smuggling operations. Juan's courageous efforts helped to significantly hinder narcotics traffickers using vessels for their illegal activities.

#Military #CoastGuard #UrbanValor #ImmigrationStory #USCoastGuard

Welcome to this week's Urban Valor episode, where we introduce you to the remarkable journey of Army veteran Hector Bravo. From Brawley, California, Hector enlisted in the Army's infantry to escape the confines of his small town. He was deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, facing intense combat during the Iraqi insurgency and enduring the painful loss of close friends.

Upon returning home, Hector battled heavy drug and alcohol abuse, but his story takes a powerful turn. He chose to seek help, starting a journey of personal transformation that led him to prioritize his family over his career. 

Join us as Hector Bravo shares his story of service, sacrifice, and redemption, demonstrating the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest episodes.

#army #combatveteran #urbanvalor #military #warstories #veteran

On August 26, 2021, during the chaotic evacuation of Afghanistan, Marine veteran Christian Sanchez stood at Abbey Gate when a suicide bomber detonated his device—killing 13 U.S. service members and hundreds of Afghan civilians.

Thrown to the ground, barely conscious, Christian opened his eyes to pure chaos. Then came the gunfire—a Taliban fighter firing from a rooftop. Despite being injured, Christian engaged in the firefight, neutralized the shooter, and was later shot himself.

In this Urban Valor interview, Christian details the blast, the adrenaline-fueled battle, and the scars that never fade. You’ll hear the raw details: catching babies thrown over barbed wire, standing face-to-face with Taliban fighters, and the agonizing aftermath that changed his life forever.

This is one of the most gripping episodes of Urban Valor has ever aired.

📌 If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
☎️ Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
☎️ Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647

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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!

✅ 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 Bomb detonates at Abbey Gate
02:14 Meet Marine Christian Sanchez
08:40 Riot control with zero training
10:25 Catching babies thrown over barbed wire
16:20 Standoff with Taliban fighters
20:40 Executions outside the barrier
32:30 Intel warns of a suicide bomber
40:12 The explosion hits
45:00 Gunfire erupts—Taliban on the rooftop
50:20 Dragging wounded Marines under fire
57:50 CCP chaos & triage
1:08:20 Hospital scene & triple ketamine trip
1:13:50 Calling families & aftermath

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories

In this week's Urban Valor episode, we're joined by Marine veteran Christopher Cendana. Hailing from Fremont, CA, Chris's journey into the military was inspired by his best friend and the uncertainty he faced after high school. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, specializing as a Diesel Mechanic. Chris shares his experiences from two deployments to Iraq, including a tragic incident where he was compelled to engage with an Iraqi family, resulting in heartbreaking consequences.

Following his military service, Chris found his calling with Six Feet Above, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting and supporting veterans and service members dealing with mental health challenges through the therapeutic medium of skateboarding.

In this week’s Urban Valor episode, we welcome back retired Marine First Sergeant Randall Parkes. 

A dedicated Marine who served from 2001 to 2021, he recounts his experiences from his early inspirations in California to becoming a drill instructor at Paris Island, South Carolina. 

In this gripping narrative, discover the challenges faced by Marines during training, the discipline instilled in recruits, and the deep bonds formed on the battlefield. The highlight of this video unveils the harrowing tale of an Afghan interpreter's escape from the clutches of the Taliban in Kabul, showcasing the lengths to which servicemen go to protect their allies. 

From the explosion at Kabul Airport to the heartwarming resettlement stories in San Diego, this video provides a raw, unfiltered look into the sacrifices made by our military personnel and the enduring spirit of camaraderie. Join us in honoring the brave souls who ensure peace and safety and understand the profound impact of their service. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more real-life stories from the frontlines.

Randall served in the Infantry, Security Force Battalion, First Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Special Operations Command, and as a Drill Instructor. Randall is back to give us more insight on being a drill instructor in the Marine Corps and what it’s like building a foundation for recruits to become warfighters. He also walks us through how he coordinated the escape of his Afghanistan interpreter out of Kabul during the evacuation after his interpreter was nearly killed in an ambush from the Taliban.

In this week's episode of Urban Valor, we shine a spotlight on Juan Marquez, a Marine veteran with an inspiring journey. Hailing from a quaint town in Northeast Oklahoma, Juan's upbringing was shaped by its small community atmosphere. His high school graduating class comprised a mere 56 students, a testament to the tight-knit nature of his environment.

Juan's journey was marked by its remarkable distinctiveness, largely shaped by his upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness. This resulted in a lifestyle unlike that of his peers, as he did not participate in the typical experiences such as sports, birthday parties, and holidays. Over time, Juan made the decision to distance himself from the church and pursued a new direction by enlisting in the Marine Corps as a Landing Support Specialist.

Juan's Marine Corps tenure provided him with a wealth of experiences, which he openly shares. From the rigors of military life to the camaraderie forged in service, he paints a vivid picture of his journey. Equally important, Juan offers valuable insights into the process of transitioning back into civilian life - a phase many veterans find daunting.

Tune in to this episode as Juan Marquez recounts his remarkable story, shedding light on the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the wisdom he gained from his time in the Marine Corps. His perspective on preparing for a successful reintegration into civilian society is both enlightening and informative.

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#veteran #military #urbanvalor #marines #marine #usmarine #war

In this deeply personal video, Krishna America Flores, a dedicated member of the US Marines, shares her poignant journey from enlistment to combat deployment. 

Born in New York and having grown up with a backdrop of the El Salvador Civil War, Flores enlisted as a Private First Class and quickly rose through the ranks. Her story takes us from the bustling streets of New York to the challenging terrains of Okinawa deployment and the war in Iraq. As a female marine, she faced unique challenges, including a harrowing incident where she was assaulted within the military ranks. 

This video sheds light on the experiences of female combat veterans, particularly during their combat deployment in Iraq. Flores' narrative is not just about the challenges enlisted marines face, or about solely E-4 marines in motor transport roles, but also about resilience, recovery, and her mission to improve veteran affairs. Join us, as Urban Valor presents this compelling story, offering an intimate look into the lives of war veterans, the realities of military PTSD, and the indomitable spirit of our military veterans.

#military #veteran #urbanvalor #combatveteran #ptsd #usmarines #marines

In this week's Urban Valor episode, Marine veteran Don Tran takes the spotlight. Don's upbringing was in Long Beach, CA. Despite multiple arrests during his juvenile years, he made a pivotal decision to enlist in the Marine Corps, seeking a transformative path for his life. Don went on his Marine Corps journey as an 0341 Mortarman, gradually progressing to become a part of the Marine Special Operations Community.

Through numerous combat deployments, Don drew upon his training and experiences. These encounters led him to co-found 'Deep End Fitness', an organization that revolves around the principles of movement, breath work, and cultivating mental strength. The organization aims to enhance human performance both in and out of the water, reflecting Don's dedication to optimizing potential!

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#veteran #army #urbanvalor #military #marines

This week's episode of Urban Valor introduces Jesse Galvan, an Army veteran hailing from the Inland Empire of Southern California. Jesse's early life was marked by a deeply challenging experience of childhood sexual trauma, significantly shaping his upbringing. As he approached adulthood, a pivotal decision arose when his father presented him with a choice between pursuing higher education and enlisting in the military.

Opting to embark on a path of service, Jesse joined the Army as a Combat Engineer. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was confronted with a cancer diagnosis during his enlistment. The weight of this diagnosis brought forth a wave of emotions, leaving him grappling with feelings of apprehension, fear, and even a moment of contemplating his own life.

Jesse Galvan's remarkable life journey, from overcoming adversity in his formative years to facing the daunting challenges that emerged during his military service. His story is one of resilience, determination, and the enduring human spirit.

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran, Spencer Zeisset, also known as Z. Z grew up in Bethalto, Illinois. As a kid, he and his friends would create fight games and engage in hand-to-hand combat. On one occasion, Z's eye was nearly injured by a sharpened spear during one of these games. He recounts the incident when he was sent flying through a van window as it rolled over and came to a stop on top of him.

Z's inspiration to become a Marine was ignited by playing video games like Halo and Battlefield. Enlisting as an 0311 Infantry Rifleman, he became a part of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, Charlie Company. Alongside his military service, Z discovered his knack for designing military-themed art. Following his time in the Marine Corps, he established a company named “Phaseline” and elevated his artistry to new heights.

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army veteran, Fernando Arroyo. 
Fernando grew up in Bell Gardens, CA where he witnessed gang violence from a young age. 

Since a kid, he’d been interested in joining the military, but the 9/11 attack on America solidified it. Fernando enlisted into the Army on a paratrooper contract. He’s conducted multiple combat deployments and speaks on the difficulty of transition after his experience in the military. 

Fernando has also written a book called “The Shadow of Death” detailing his experience in Fallujah and battling for his soul upon transitioning.

Fernando Arroyo is a combat veteran and hero who's sharing his story to help other combat veterans and we greatly support him here at Urban Valor.

This week’s Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant, 
Robert Porter aka “Bar.” 

Bar grew up in Albany, New York and was adopted as a child. He talks us through 21 years in the Marine Corps in occupations not limited to Military Police, criminal investigations, Drill Instructor, and Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival. Upon transitioning, Bar began helping out with Toys for Tots, which led to his festive transformation to Gunny Clause.

#military #veteran #urbanvalor #army #drillsergeant

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine and Army veteran Jose 
Valenzuela. 

Jose was born in Mexicali, Mexico. He grew up in poverty and came to the United States around the age of 7. 

In today's episode, Jose shares of his immigrant journey to the United States and the U.S. Military. 

After Marine recruiters visited his high school, he was inspired to join the military. 

Jose spent 13 years in the Marines and 7 years in the Army before retiring as a Staff Sergeant. 

He’s conducted several deployments and worked multiple occupations while in the military. 

Jose leaves us with advice about getting VA benefits upon transitioning out of service.


#military #veteran #urbanvalor #army #marines

Marine veteran Ralph Sarabia takes you inside the chaos of Iraq...convoys hit by IEDs, RPGs ripping overhead, close-quarters ambushes, and the split-second choices that decide who makes it home. 

In todays Urban Valor Podcast episode, he opens up about survivor’s guilt, hypervigilance, and rebuilding life after deployment with faith, family, and boxing. This is a raw, unfiltered account of Marine combat and the fight to heal.

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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!

✅ 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 First firefight: RPGs, incoming, “pull the trigger, find peace”
03:32 Father absent, taking care of mom, finding a role model in a Ranger
11:41 Caught stealing as a kid—lesson that stuck
14:46 Enlisting after 9/11; boot camp identity strip, asthma scare
29:24 Unit culture, hazing, and the 48-hour call to war
38:26 Desert staging & push toward Baghdad
41:09 “I don’t want to die” — reality of contact and wounded Marines
53:48 Homecoming numbness; living like a “watchman on the wall”
1:03:13 Ramadi: daily ambushes, IEDs, morale tactics under fire
1:12:53 60 Minutes coverage; nonstop losses & memorials
1:18:49 Close calls, survivor’s guilt after Clifton’s death
1:35:13 High-profile security work, USC, brain health treatment
1:51:05 Boxing, faith, entrepreneurship—turning pain into purpose
1:56:50 Closing thoughts to vets

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Miguel Linares. 

Miguel was born in Westminster, CA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps as an 
Aviation Mechanic, but after 9/11, Miguel wanted to fight and changed his 
job to Infantry Rifleman. 

He got what he asked for and fought through Nasiriyah’s “Ambush Alley” during the Iraq invasion of 2003. Miguel recalls and shares vivid details of the War in Iraq, and Ambush Alley in today's episode.

Miguel talks us through what life was like for him in combat, after combat, 
and how his wife contributed to pulling him out of a dark place upon 
transitioning out of the military.

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#veteran #military #urbanvalor #marines #marine #usmarine #war #combatveteran

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Gino Garcia. Gino was born and raised in Pomona, CA. 

At the age of 14, he joined the Devil Pups program, which inspired him to want to become a United States Marine. Gino initially wanted to enlist in the infantry; however, some of his veteran family members convinced him to choose an occupation that would make for a smoother transition back into the civilian world, so he picked supply. 

He conducted three deployments during his enlistment. After transitioning out of the Marine Corps, Gino founded Vibe Fitness Training Center in Rialto, CA. 

Gino is an excellent example of a veteran who used his military experience to build a successful business, and much of what he learned in the Marines is present in his business.


#veteran #military #urbanvalor #marines #usmarine #usmarines

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran, Ryan Coughlin. Ryan grew up in North Brookfield Massachusetts. He was inspired to join the Marines by his Marine veteran grandfather who fought in Iwo Jima during WWII. Ryan served two combat deployments to Afghanistan. He talks about how his deployments made him appreciate his life in America. 

Towards the end of his enlistment, Ryan succeeded in qualifying for a lateral move to Explosives Ordinance Disposal but was denied reenlistment because of the tattoos he had acquired during his initial enlistment. They made him sign a document stating he failed to withhold the standards of the Marine Corps, and attempted to prevent him from being able to enlist in any other branch of service. 

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Nivardo Gonzalez. 

Nivardo grew up in Long Beach, CA. He wasn’t interested in college, so he enlisted in the Marine Corp as an Infantry Rifleman. Nivardo conducted two combat deployments during his enlistment. 

During one of those deployments, he and his unit were met with intense combat after occupying a Taliban stronghold known as the “Green House.” 

Nivardo leaves us with how his experience in the military changed his life and what he’s doing to keep a healthy mental state of mind. 

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#military #veteran #urbanvalor #combat #combatveteran

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army Ranger veteran Brad Jacobson. Brad grew up in Washington State as a Mormon. Once he stopped attending church, his mom kicked him out of the house. While homeless, Brad enlisted in the Army to change his situation and became an Army Ranger. He would conduct multiple combat deployments. One of which involved the death and cover-up of former NFL player and Army Ranger, Pat Tillman. Brad takes us inside what occurred on that tragic day and leaves us with how it affected his mental health upon transitioning back into civilian life.   
 
Pat Tillman was a former NFL player who gave up his career to enlist in the U.S. Army after the September 11 attacks. He was killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004, while serving in Afghanistan.

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#army #veteran #urbanvalor #combatveteran #armyranger #pattillman

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran, Roland Vandenberg. Roland was born in Inglewood, CA and grew up in the desert of Lake Los Angeles. He came up in the party crew scene of the 90’s and was kicked out of multiple high schools. Roland made his way into the Marine  Corps and ended up on the frontlines during the Invasion of Iraq in March 2003. He would go on to conduct multiple deployments and had to medically retire due to an injury he sustained while in service. Roland is now the Co-Founder of Romeo Echo USA. 

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Navy and Air Force veteran Gary Mathieson. Gary was born on Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, where his father was flying B-52s as a Bombardier Navigator. Growing up around pilots his entire life inspired him to enlist in the military, and when the Gulf War began, Gary felt the need to serve. Gary’s job required him to be prepared to survive being captured, which entailed him partaking in strenuous training and overcoming his fear of claustrophobia and heights. Navigating the military lifestyle placed hardships on Gary and his family. On top of that, the superintendent for a school district he was teaching at did not support his military service, which created financial stress on his family.

Thank you so much for your service Gary! We appreciate you!

#Airforce #veteran #urbanvalor #military #foxnews #cnn

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army veteran Travis Story. Travis grew up in Villa Park, CA. He was the youngest of five boys. His father’s rule for the boys was they had to leave the house at the age of 18, which was part of Travis’ inspiration for joining the Army. He enlisted as a Black Hawk Helicopter Mechanic and got married while on active duty. As Travis’ marriage fell apart, so did his mental health. He attempted to get help while on active duty to no avail. His actions, due to his frustration for the lack of help, got him demoted from E-5 to E-3. Upon transitioning, Travis’ mental health continued to spiral. He got arrested at the VA while trying to get help and found himself facing a 15-year prison sentence.

Military mental health and veteran mental health continue to be a consistent and repetitive story on Urban Valor, whether it's combat veterans with PTSD or other forms of mental illness. 

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army veteran Luke Simianer. Luke was born in Nebraska, then moved to Virginia, and grew up in Section 8 housing. 

The 9/11 attacks inspired him to enlist in the Army. Luke was only 17 when he went through Army Airborne school. He did a combat deployment to Afghanistan, where he had quite the experience with snipers, hard drives, and donkeys, to say the least. 

Luke was reprimanded by his command after making an anonymous video about being hazed. After working several blue-collar jobs upon transitioning, Luke founded “Clusiv,” the world’s first e-learning platform for the blind.

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Keene Sherburne. Keene grew up in California’s high desert. His Vietnam veteran father was a “prepper”, which led to law enforcement conducting 19 searches on their home. After Keene’s parents went to jail, he was forced to fend for himself at the age of 15. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and became an infantry machine gunner. While in Iraq, Keene was blown up twice and received two purple hearts. Due to his severe brain trauma, he was forced to medically retire. As Keene was being processed, he was punished for a ridiculous incident, considering everything he had just been through. He now finds peace as a yoga instructor but says every day is still a struggle. 


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Marine Corps Veteran Roger Michael Hall pulls no punches in this episode of Urban Valor. From 2017–2022, Roger served as an infantry mortarman (0341) — but this isn’t the recruiting poster version of the Corps. This is the truth about months living on a Navy ship, crammed into tight berthing spaces, working long hours, and finding ways to stay sane in a floating steel city.

Roger shares it all: wild overseas port calls, boot camp fights, grueling Mountain Warfare training, and the mental grind of deployment life at sea with hundreds of Marines shoulder-to-shoulder. He opens up about the moments that made him question why he joined — and the experiences that shaped who he is today.

If you’ve ever wondered what Marine Corps life aboard a Navy ship is really like, this is the story no one tells!

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Video chapters: 
00:00 Boot camp fights & ship life
01:34 Childhood & family background
04:01 Why Roger joined the Marines
08:11 Brutal boot camp training stories
22:01 Mountain warfare training & fatigue
35:09 Life aboard ship & dark humor
50:34 Wild deployment & barracks stories
1:11:09 Border Patrol mission under Trump
1:19:06 COVID-era deployment in Japan
1:22:04 Civilian life struggles & therapy
1:24:46 Advice for veterans after service

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Joel Ramirez. He grew up in Salem, Oregon, and found himself getting into many fights. Joel enlisted into the National Guard; however, his older brother was enlisted in the Marines and forced Joel to retract his enlistment so he could also go to the Marines. He enlisted into the Marine Corps as an 0311 Rifleman. Joel had a rough time as a new Marine and endured a lot of hazing. He had the opportunity to experience many different cultures overseas. Upon transitioning out, Joel found himself depressed and attempted suicide by cop. Eventually, he pulled himself out of the darkness and began attending paralegal school to be able to help veterans through what he’s experienced.

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army Sergeant First Class, Umar 
Arrastia. As of this interview, he’s served 23 years in the National Guard with the last 13 years being on active duty. Umar talks about his experience in the Army and being overseas in combat, however, he wanted to speak mostly about his late son, Jibreel Arrastia, who passed away in 2020 while enlisted in the Navy. Umar was out celebrating the completion of a course he attended for the Army when he received a phone call from his wife telling him Jibreel had taken his life. 

This tragic incident left Umar seeking answers to what drove his son into such a dark place with no clear signs of him being in distress.

Veteran suicide is of course a very important and serious topic and one that is of course, very difficult to discuss. If you are someone you know is suffering from veteran PTSD, mental health, depression, or self-harming thoughts, please seek help.  There's no shame in asking for help, it's the most courageous thing you can possibly do in a moment of need. 

Military PTSD is very real and affects far more veterans than people realize.

Please reach out to us at team@urbanvalor.com if you need someone to talk to, and just want to get things off your chest privately. We are here for you. 

We are honored to have sat down with Army Sergeant First Class, Umar Arrastia, thank you, brother! 

#veteran #military #urbanvalor #army #navy #veteransuicide #veteranptsd
#foxnews #cnn #militarylife

Welcome to this week's episode of Urban Valor, featuring Marine veteran Zach Sales. Despite enduring a traumatic upbringing and frequently moving from place to place, Zach was inspired by his Marine infantry veteran father to enlist in the military. He served in the US Marine Corps from 2009 to 2017 and now runs a thriving military skateboard community that helps other veterans cope with their trauma through skateboarding.

In this inspiring podcast episode, Sales shares his journey of turning his traumatic childhood experiences into a community of support and healing for fellow veterans. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community.

Join us in this episode to hear Zach's incredible journey and how he is using skateboarding to help other veterans cope with their trauma. If you have questions for Zach, please comment below, and make sure to subscribe to Urban Valor on your favorite podcast platform to never miss a weekly episode.

Don't miss this episode highlighting the incredible courage and resilience of our nation's military members. Subscribe to Urban Valor today.

In the latest episode of the Urban Valor podcast, Marine Corps officer Daisy Romero shares her incredible story of serving her country despite facing numerous challenges. Daisy grew up in South Central LA, where she was exposed to poverty and gang violence. Despite these obstacles, she was determined to make a better life for herself and her family, and this led her to join the Marine Corps.

Throughout her 15-year career in the Marines, Daisy served in Okinawa, Japan, and multiple deployments to combat zones in the Middle East. Despite being the only woman and Hispanic female in her unit, Daisy earned her fellow Marines' respect by proving herself through her dedication and bravery.

In the podcast episode, Daisy discusses her experiences in combat and the emotional toll that it can take on individuals. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support from fellow Marines, particularly during difficult times. Daisy's story is a tribute to the strength and resilience of women in the military and their vital role in defending our country.

If you or someone you know has served in the military and would like to connect with Urban Valor, email team@urbanvalor.com.

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army First Sergeant Jon Bakaian. Jon grew up in Southern New Hampshire. He was close to his brother, Jeremy Bakaian, an Army combat veteran who enlisted into the infantry 6 months before he did. Jon conducted multiple combat deployments to Iraq. He speaks about the tragic loss of several comrades in combat and from suicide while battling PTSD. Additionally, Jon has had to endure the loss of his father, stepfather, and brother Jeremy within a 6-year time span. He says his brother Jeremy was never the same after losing two of his best friends to combat, which ultimately drove him into a dark place.



#veteran #ptsd #urbanvalor #military #army #cnn #foxnews #combatveteran #war #warstories

This week’s Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Arcand. Daniel grew up near the twin cities in Minnesota. He enlisted into the Marine Corps as an infantryman and conducted 7 deployments during his service, 6 of which were combat. Combat veteran Daniel Arcand discusses the struggle with his mental health as an active duty Marine and using alcohol to cope with his memories and PTSD.

He’s established a veteran organization called “Peace for Warriors.” Peace for Warriors allows veterans to travel, volunteer, and give back to communities around the world, which will enable veterans to get an entirely new outlook on travel and, in turn, contributes to mental health healing.

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#veteran #military #urbanvalor #marines #marine #war #combatveteran

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Rebekah Dorko. Rebekah grew up poor in San Diego with four sisters and was homeless for a period. She talks about her mother having a mental breakdown, loading all 5 girls in a vehicle, and attempting to run people over at a gas station. 

Rebekah experienced physical and mental abuse from her biological parents and in the foster care system. She enlisted in the Marine Corps, thinking becoming a Marine would help her cope with the trauma she endured as a kid. 

However, Rebekah ended up experiencing severe Military Sexual Trauma and talks about being taken advantage of on several occasions during her enlistment.

*Urban Valor acts as a conduit for veterans to share their stories and experiences in their own words without censorship. Please respect all veterans' views, opinions, or experiences, even if you disagree. 

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Korean war veteran, Victor Real. Victor grew up in Santa Monica, CA during the Great Depression. 

To make money he picked cotton, grapes, and cleared out walnut fields. When the harvest ended, and there was no money to be made, Victor decided to enlist in the Marines. 

Shortly after enlisting, he requested to go to aviation school where he finished in the top three of his class. It landed him a job working  with President D. Eisenhower to establish what we now know as “Marine  One.” During a preflight inspection, Victor witnessed a plane crash into the ocean and ended up rescuing the drowning pilot who was stuck in his harness. 

Upon transitioning out of the Marine Corps, Victor received his engineering degree and was credited with two patents in his name for the work he did.

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#war #military #urbanvalor #combatveteran #veteran #combat #marine #marines

This week’s Urban Valor episode features retried Marine First Sergeant Randall Parkes. Randall grew up in Hemet, CA, and frequently moved due to his father's enlistment in the Navy. He served in the Infantry, Security Forces, First Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Special Operations Command, and the drill field as a Drill Instructor. Randall talks about his deployment to  Afghanistan with MARSOC, where the Taliban attempted to eliminate them by making it rain mortars. However, Randall and his team would make them pay for it. He talks about his love for being a green belt Drill Instructor and making his recruits earn their title. Lastly, Randall speaks on telling the Marine Corps monitor to kick rocks and his transition back into civilian life.

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Jessica Quezada. Jess grew up in Dallas, Texas. Her mother was addicted to drugs and alcohol and passed away in 2017. She enlisted in the Marines to do photojournalism and took advantage of her time in service to travel the world. However, Jess states she had difficulty building camaraderie and connecting with other Marines. She became dependent on alcohol to be able to sleep, which caused her to wreck her vehicle into a tree. Just as she turned herself around, Jess popped on a drug test and discovered it was from drinking a tea she brought back to the states from Columbia, which ultimately got her discharged from the Marines. She now runs an organization called “Libo Risk” inspiring veterans to travel the world.

Thank you to Jessica for sitting down with Urban Valor founder, Josh Gutierrez, and sharing her story.

From a young immigrant kid running barefoot in Mexico to serving as a U.S. Air Force veteran in Iraq — this is the incredible untold story of Hector Cabrera.

In this Urban Valor episode, Hector opens up about growing up with a single mother, losing his father, facing cultural identity struggles, and ultimately finding his calling in the U.S. military. His journey takes us through childhood adversity, immigrant resilience, boot camp discipline, and combat deployments in Iraq — where survival was never guaranteed.

This is more than just a veteran story. It’s about family, grit, sacrifice, and finding purpose after trauma. Hector shares raw, unfiltered moments — from his first days in America learning English with a Roberto Clemente book, to working the register at his uncle’s taco shop when armed robbers walked in, to the night mortars rained down on his base in Kirkuk, Iraq.

For veterans, immigrants, or anyone searching for meaning through hardship — Hector’s story is proof that how you do anything is how you do everything.

YouTube Chapters:
00:00 – Life-changing moment in the field
01:28 – Hector’s childhood in Mexico
03:08 – Growing up as an immigrant in America
06:25 – Losing his father & family struggles
07:17 – Learning English and adapting
10:20 – Hard lessons from his mother
11:18 – Working at Roberto’s Taco Shop (and being robbed at 14)
13:08 – First exposure to the military
16:30 – September 11th and the call to serve
19:04 – Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force
22:01 – Boot camp experiences
24:42 – Culture shock & military discipline
29:04 – Defending missions downrange
31:03 – Deployments in Iraq & FOB life
36:35 – Mortar attacks and survival routines
38:10 – Reflections on resilience and mindset

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories #immigrantstruggles #immigrants

Welcome to today's episode of Urban Valor! We're honored to feature the inspiring story of Army combat veteran Robert Perez. Robert was raised in the gang-filled streets of East Los Angeles and came from a family with a rich military heritage. 

He joined the Army National Guard as a Motor Transport Operator and was deployed to Iraq for two combat tours. Despite his challenges and dangers, Robert persevered and continued to serve his country with bravery and honor. However, after his deployments, he faced a new challenge when his wife divorced him, leaving him with nothing to come home to. Despite feeling lost and alone, Robert made four attempts to take his life but overcame these difficulties and got back on his feet. Join us as we hear about Robert's incredible journey of resilience and determination. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Urban Valor!

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features MARSOC veteran and retired Master Sergeant, Danny Santos. Danny grew up in the rampart district of South-Central Los Angeles. He enlisted in the Marine Corps to escape the gang-infested streets of LA. His parents migrated to the U.S. from El Salvador in the 1970s and at the age of 10, Danny had to endure his father taking his own life. 

As a young Lance Corporal in the Marines, Danny was awarded the Silver Star. After being shot and blown up by a grenade he completely disregarded his own safety, exposed himself to enemy fire, and drug one of his wounded teammates to safety. Danny would go on to serve 15 years in the MARSOC community as a Critical Skills Operator with 9 deployments under his belt. He leaves us with what he’s done to adapt and overcome the challenges of transitioning out of the military.  

Danny Santos is incredibly courageous and a true warrior. We're so thankful he sat down with Josh Gutierrez of Urban Valor to share his incredible story as a combat veteran who served 9 deployments and was wounded in battle. 

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran, Cris Pacheco. Cris grew up in Chino, California. His parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba and El Salvador. Cris joined the Marines as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman AKA “Tracks.” 

He had an alcohol problem going into the Marines, which contributed to some mental health issues during his enlistment such as not being able to sleep for days at a time. 

Although he struggled mentally, Cris still received numerous awards such as Marine of the ship, Gung Ho Marine, and meritorious mast. He leaves us with his experience of how he set himself up to succeed upon transitioning out of the military. 

Marine Veteran Cris Pacheco is the definition of overcoming and growing. 

From immigration to alcohol to mental health, and overcoming reconstructive jaw surgery, he's shown that he can overcome adversity and continue to thrive and succeed. We know that Chris' veteran story will help so many other veterans with overcoming their adversities and continue to keep fighting.

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