Urban Valor: the podcast - Urban Valor

Latest Episodes:

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Reveals Inside Story of Afghanistan Failure Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

This week's Urban Valor features retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Mick Simonelli from Providence, Rhode Island. As a young innovator, Mick almost got swept out to sea while testing an experiment. He began his military career in the Army Reserves as a Military Police Officer before becoming an active-duty officer through OCS.
Mick talks about his role as Comptroller in Afghanistan, where he managed $400 million in cash to build the Afghan National Army. He describes undercover missions into Afghan streets carrying millions in cash with only his interpreter. The episode also covers Mick's thoughts on why the Afghanistan mission failed.
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Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories.
Video Chapters:
11:10 Military Career
18:14 Needs of the Army
30:13 Dogs of War
40:44 September 11
44:59 You and What Army?
1:07:26 More Money, More Problems
1:11:58 The Audit
1:16:37 Toilets, Plumbing and Glass
1:30:41 Leaving the Service
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmyveteran #usarmy

Marine Corps Pilot’s Cry for Help Met with Silence Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

This week's Urban Valor features former Marine Major Trish Linck, an Osprey Pilot from upstate New York. Trish shares her journey from a challenging childhood, marked by mental abuse from her stepfather, to becoming a Marine Corps officer and Osprey pilot with the Purple Foxes.
Trish discusses how her determination to succeed led her to the Marines, inspired by her supportive grandfather. She opens up about her struggles with deteriorating mental health during her service, which ultimately affected her ability to fly. The episode highlights the difficulties Trish faced when seeking help from her command, shedding light on mental health challenges in the military.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Trish and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
00:40 Early Life
04:22 Hell At Home
12:14 Safe Haven
16:14 Find the Corps
23:39 Silver Bullet
27:24 The Commission
28:35 The Basic School
32:59 Learning to Fly
40:14 Camp Pendleton
41:36 The Callsign
49:18 Welcome to the Desert
53:31 Kangaroo Court
55:58 Inner Battles
01:13:43 Journey & Recovery
01:25:47 Leaving the Corps
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #mentalhealthsupport

Navy SEAL Endures Heavy Loss and Devastating Family Trauma Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Navy Seal Veteran Zack Ferguson shares his story on this week's Urban Valor. From his upbringing in Orange County to his decision to enlist, Zack recounts his challenging journey through Navy Seal Training and Service.
He discusses witnessing a teammate's death during training, losing friends when they took their own lives, and leaving his team to support his ill sister.
After leaving the Navy, Zack explored psychedelic therapy, which helped him heal from trauma. He uses this experience to assist others, including his family, with their healing.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Zach and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
07:18 Boot Camp
17:47 Hell Week
29:58 Earning the Trident
36:50 Back to the Platoon
46:00 Sniper School
50:08 Family
1:14:18 The Future
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usnavy #armyveteran #usnavyseal

Amputee Soldier Recounts Fighting Al Qaeda in the Streets of Iraq Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with retired Army Staff Sergeant Kyle Kelly, who has gone from a troubled childhood in Northeast Texas to the frontlines in Iraq.
Kyle shares his experiences as a Combat Engineer battling Al Qaeda in intense warfare. He remembers surviving a gunshot wound, barely escaping an RPG, and enduring a devastating blast that led to amputation.
Kyle opens up about his struggles transitioning to civilian life, including time spent in jail for aggravated assault while still on active duty. Despite these challenges, Kyle found a new purpose in serving his fellow veterans.
Watch now to learn how Kyle turned his experiences into a force for good, founding the non-profit organization Open Water.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Kyle and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
00:35 Early Life
11:23 Boot Camp
15:03 Airborne School
16:19 1st Cav
21:57 First Deployment
34:57 Sadness & Anger
36:54 Back to the Field
43:12 Greater Loss
44:23 Bradly Gunner
49:17 Turn & Burn
55:17 Counter Sniper
1:00:00 Invincible
1:15:00 Road to Recovery
1:18:22 Scars
1:24:03 Red, White & Blue
1:26:34 Crashing Down
1:30:24 Open Waters
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmy #armyveteran

Recon Marines Endure Heavy Combat in Nauzad, Afghanistan Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode of Urban Valor, we feature retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Kuperus, whose story takes us from the dairy farms of Newark, New York, to the intense battlefields of Afghanistan. Inspired by his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, Ryan chose to serve his country as a Marine, using the work ethic instilled in him since childhood.
Ryan details his experiences as a Reconnaissance Marine in Afghanistan. The relentless combat his recon platoon faced gives you a glimpse into the realities of modern warfare. Ryan brings to life the challenges, dangers, and split-second decisions that define combat operations.
The episode explores Ryan's progression to Force Reconnaissance and his role as an instructor, where he helped shape some of America's most elite warriors. It then explores his transition out of military service, a journey familiar to many veterans. He shares his current efforts to serve the veteran community, showing the ongoing commitment many former service members have to their fellow warriors!
Tune in for a powerful exploration of sacrifice, skill, and the spirit of service that defines many of our nation's veterans.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Ryan and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
00:35 Early Life
04:22 Boot Camp
09:32 Hitting the Fleet
19:18 9/11 Attacks
20:33 First Deployment
22:28 Invading Iraq
29:53 On to Okinawa
32:08 Break In Service
39:07 Road Bump
44:19 Back on the Ground
55:49 Power of the Javelin
1:07:49 Close to Home
2:08:38 Training Commandos
2:10:51 Turn & Burn
2:21:00 Hostage Rescue
2:26:48 The Ball
2:39:25 Red Lights
2:53:15 Becoming an Instructor
2:56:12 Court Marshall
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #martines #marineveteran

Marine Veteran Uncovers Silent Struggles of Post-Service Life Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode of Urban Valor, we interview Marine Veteran Matt Stack, who details his life from Miami, Florida, to Eden, North Carolina, and ultimately into the Marine Corps. Inspired by his sister's military career, Matt enlisted in hopes of becoming an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD). However, due to a recruiter's misinformation, his path led him to aviation ordnance instead.
Matt shares his perspective as an enlisted Marine during the 9/11 attacks on America, providing listeners with a firsthand account of this pivotal moment in history. He remembers his deployments to Guam and Kuwait, offering insights into the varied experiences of Marine Corps service.
The heart of this episode lies in Matt's perspective on the mental challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian society. Drawing from his personal experiences and the research behind his book Killing Chaos, Matt focuses on the often overlooked struggles that accompany post-service life.
This episode of Urban Valor offers an honest look at military service, the impact of global events on service members, and the ongoing battle many veterans face long after their official duties end. Tune in for a discussion on mental health and the crucial importance of understanding and supporting our veterans as they navigate life after service.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Matt and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
0:40 Early Life
08:14 Boot Camp
17:26 Learning the Trade
29:43 Desert Faith
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #martines #marineveteran

Marines Fix Bayonets & Endure Heavy Combat in Iraq Invasion - 2003 Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode of Urban Valor, we present the story of Marine Veteran Markos Eugenios. From his youth in Monte Sereno, CA, where he cared for his diabetic mother, to his service as an Infantry Machine Gunner with 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, Markos's experiences offer a glimpse into military life.
He provides a firsthand account of the Iraq invasion in March 2003, sharing intense moments from the front lines. Markos reflects on the most courageous act he witnessed during his service and openly discusses how combat affected him psychologically. The episode concludes with his thoughts on returning to civilian life after his honorable discharge.
This raw and honest conversation gives us a glimpse into warfare's realities, service members' sacrifices, and the challenges veterans face upon returning home. Tune in for an unforgettable episode about bravery, duty, and personal growth.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Markos and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
0:38 Early Life
15:58 Blood Stripes
24:00 Countryside Combat
39:55 Road Baghdad
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #martines #marineveteran

Marine Vet Fights Russians up Close in The Trenches of Ukraine Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

This week's Urban Valor episode features Giovanni "Gio" Roman, a Marine, Navy, and Ukrainian armed forces Veteran. Gio, who grew up in southern California, was inspired to join the Marines following his older brother's footsteps and the 9/11 attacks on America. His sense of duty led him to serve not only as a Marine but also as a Navy Corpsman.
After leaving the Navy, Gio's combat medical skills and desire to help drew him to Ukraine's fight against Russian forces. Gio provides detailed accounts of his experiences in close-quarters combat, including assaulting and overtaking Russian-held trenches.
Gio also discusses his initial injury in Ukraine, his return home to recover, and his decision to return to the frontlines. He then recounts the second, more severe injury that resulted in the loss of his eye.
Video Chapters:
01:15 Early Life
13:18 Infantry Expert
22:52 Continuing Service
46:42 Back to the Front
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Gio and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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.
#military #marines #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #navycorpsman #navy

Army Paratrooper: "We Couldn’t Go 82 Days Without a Fatality" Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

This week's Urban Valor episode spotlights Andy Nelson, an Army Paratrooper veteran from Renton, WA. Inspired by classic military movies he watched with his father, Nelson enlisted in the Army on a paratrooper contract and was assigned to the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division.
During the episode, Nelson recounts his experiences parachuting into various countries and shares a tense moment when a fellow paratrooper was accidentally loaded with live rounds during a training exercise. He discusses the physical toll of frequent jumps on his body and explains how he utilized his military benefits to transition into a legal career after leaving the Army.
This compelling episode offers listeners a glimpse into the high-stakes world of military parachuting and demonstrates how veterans can successfully adapt their skills to civilian professions.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Andy and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
02:13 Recruiting Experience
03:37 Boot Camp
13:57 Welcome to the Jungle
29:09 Identity Crisis
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #army #armyparatrooper

Navy SEAL Joins French Foreign Legion After Jail & Being Homeless Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Taylor Cavanaugh's life is a rollercoaster of highs and lows that would put most action movies to shame. This San Diego kid dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL from age seven, but his path was far from straightforward. Despite multiple arrests, fights with police, and faced several years in prison!
Taylor somehow made it into the elite SEALs. But the drama didn't stop there. After getting kicked out for steroid use, he hit rock bottom, living in his car. In a twist no one saw coming, Taylor then became the first - and so far only - former Navy SEAL to enlist in the French Foreign Legion.
This week's Urban Valor episode pulls no punches, diving into Taylor's wild ride from troublemaker to elite warrior to homeless vet, and finally to a groundbreaking role in another legendary fighting force. It's a raw, real-life tale of grit, mistakes, and unexpected comebacks that you won't want to miss.
Video Chapters:
00:38 Early Life
29:38 Learning to Be A Seal
36:16 Fortune & Misfortune
54:00 New Beginnings
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Taylor and/or us at 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 take the share and tell their story, 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.
#military #marines #urbanvalor #warstories #navyseal #frenchforeignlegion

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