Urban Valor: the podcast - Urban Valor

Latest Episodes:

Female Marine Endures Harsh Treatment in Afghanistan Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Marine Veteran, Savannah Cannon. Savannah grew up on a farm in a small town in Georgia. She had a very traumatic childhood and struggled deeply with thoughts of self-harm as a teenager.
Savannah enlisted into the Marine Corps to escape her unfortunate childhood. She was twenty years old when she deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. While on her combat deployment, Savannah experienced harsh treatment, which began immediately upon her arrival to Afghanistan. She was greeted by a Major who told her “You’re a girl…you’re not supposed to be here” and advised her to stay away from the men. She had to endure retaliation for rejecting inappropriate propositions.
Savannah eventually found writing as a form of therapy and leaves us with how her experience affected her mental health upon transitioning back into the civilian world.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Tommy 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 #urbanvalor #war #warstories #veteran #marines

Marine Raiders Battle Fiercely in Helmand Province, Afghanistan Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

This week's episode of Urban Valor shines a spotlight on Bryan Buckley, a Marine veteran with a remarkable story. Hailing from Doylestown, PA, Bryan's early years were dominated by football, a sport in which he excelled, securing two state championships. His path seemed set on football until the events of 9/11 shifted his focus dramatically. Motivated by a sense of duty, Bryan joined the Marine Corps as an officer, where he served in various capacities including the infantry, Force Recon, and as a Marine Raider within the Marine Special Operations Command. In this episode, Bryan shares his experiences of intense combat against the Taliban in Afghanistan's dangerous Helmand province, highlighting the challenges they faced, the losses they suffered, and the solemn duty of returning home with fallen heroes.
Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Tommy 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 #urbanvalor #war #warstories #veteran

Brain Aneurysm Ends Navy Diver’s Military Career Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Navy Diver Tommy McConnell's story, as featured in this week's episode of Urban Valor, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Growing up in Louisiana with a passion for swimming and was inspired by his grandfather's service as a Navy Vet.
Tommy's career, filled with dedication and love for his job, takes a tragic turn with the onset of neurological symptoms leading to the discovery of brain damage. The mental struggle Tommy faces after his career ends abruptly is a reminder of the personal battles that continue beyond active duty. It underscores the importance of mental health support for veterans and the resilience required to live life after the military.
Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Tommy 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 #urbanvalor #war #warstories #veteran #navy #navydiver

Marines’ Unbreakable Bonds Overseas Tested Upon Return Home Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Join us on this week's episode of Urban Valor as listen to the story of Marine Sergeant Zach Snyder from Pennsylvania. Raised in a family of law enforcement officers, including his brothers and father, Zach found inspiration to serve his country.
Enlisting in the Marines in 2017 as an Amphibious Assault Crewmember, Zack Snyder shares insights into his deployment experiences, reflecting on the camaraderie forged within his unit and the challenges faced by service members and their families upon returning home. Tune in for a gripping narrative of dedication, sacrifice, and resilience.
Remember to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to support Urban Valor and the courageous Veterans who take the share and tell their story!
Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful stories. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for more content that delves into the lives of extraordinary individuals.
#military #marine #urbanvalor #war #warstories #veteran #combatveteran

Marine Snipers Eliminate Enemy Sniper, Reclaim Stolen US Sniper Rifle Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Watch this week's episode of Urban Valor for an incredible story featuring AJ Pasciuti, a retired Marine turned Scout Sniper. AJ's military journey took a dramatic turn in 2006 when he led a mission to take down "Juba," an enemy sniper in Iraq. This sniper had been using a stolen American sniper rifle to tragically target US forces.
AJ's team's mission was not just about neutralizing a threat but also about retrieving a piece of American military history taken from fallen Marines.

Marine “Magnificent Bastards” Seek Vengeance in Ramadi, Iraq Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

Join us this week on Urban Valor as we listen to Nick Velez, a Marine Veteran whose roots are deeply planted in the vibrant streets of East Los Angeles. From his early dreams of military service to becoming an esteemed infantry rifleman with the "Magnificent Bastards," 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, Nick's story is a testament to courage, brotherhood, and the sacrifice.
Born and raised in East LA, Nick's passion for serving his country led him to the Devil Pups program, setting the stage for his enlistment in the Marine Corps. His deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, with the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, (aka “The Magnificent Bastards”) that marked a period of intense combat.
The transition out of the Marine Corps was a pivotal moment for Nick. He co-founded "Bastard’s Canteen," a venture that paid tribute to the unbreakable bond shared among Marines. However, the journey took a heartbreaking turn with the loss of his close friend and business partner in a tragic accident.
This episode is a testament into the resilience and dedication of a Marine veteran. It's an exploration of the challenges and triumphs of military life and the transition back to civilian life.
Don't miss this compelling episode of "Urban Valor." Subscribe to our channel, like this video, and share your thoughts and support for veterans like Nick in the comments below. Let's honor their service and sacrifices together.
Remember to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to support Urban Valor and the courageous Veterans who take the share and tell their story!
Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful stories. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for more content that delves into the lives of extraordinary individuals.
#military #marine #urbanvalor #war #warstories #veteran #combatveteran

Panamanian Freighter Collision with USS Midway Turns Fatal Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with Mark Tyler, a retired Gunnery Sergeant from the Marine Corps, who shares his remarkable journey from his early days growing up in Las Vegas, after being born in Pennsylvania, to his extensive career in the military.
Initially joining the Marines as a military police officer with an eye on a future in law enforcement, Mark found his calling within the Corps and chose to dedicate his life to it. He recounts his deployment experiences, including a harrowing incident aboard the USS Midway involving a collision with a Panamanian freighter that tragically resulted in the loss of two sailors.
Mark also opens up about his transition back to civilian life after 21 years of service and his subsequent role in the Department of Justice, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of moving on from a life in uniform.
#VeteranStories #Marine #UrbanValor #Military
Remember to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to support Urban Valor and the courageous Veterans who take the share and tell their story!
Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful stories. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for more content that delves into the lives of extraordinary individuals.

Marine Seeks Justice After Escaping Strangulation Attempt Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

Join us on Urban Valor for an exclusive interview with Lepcis Vasquez, a former sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, who shares her compelling and harrowing journey from 2016 to 2021. Lepcis opens up about her life, detailing her experiences with remarkable courage and honesty. Get an in depth look at the realities of military service, the personal battles faced both in and out of uniform, and the resilience required to make it through adversity.
Lepcis discusses her early life in San Diego, California, where she grew up in what she describes as a privileged environment. Despite this, she joined the Marine Corps to support her family financially and to pursue higher education, a decision that came with its own set of challenges and expectations versus reality. She talks about the rigorous demands of boot camp, her initial experiences with firearms, and the stark contrast between her expectations of military service and the harsh realities she encountered.
Lepcis's tumultuous relationship with a fellow Marine, which led to a forced engagement and a marriage marked by abuse and manipulation. She openly shares the struggles she faced in seeking safety and justice within the military system, detailing the systemic failures that put her life in danger.
Lepcis's story is not just one of struggle but also of resilience and recovery. She discusses the lasting impact of her experiences on her mental health and her journey towards healing. Urban Valor is proud to bring to light Lepcis Vasquez's story, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

Navy Corpsman Saves Marines Amidst Enemy Fire Awarded Navy Cross Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Urban Valor, we dive into the extraordinary life of Navy veteran Luis Fonseca Jr., a man whose journey from the challenging streets of Fayetteville, NC, to the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Born into a military family, Luis’s early life was marked by the struggles of a military upbringing and the dangerous allure of drug trafficking, a path that led him to a pivotal crossroads following the tragic murder of a close friend during a drug deal gone wrong. This life-altering event ignited a profound desire for change, steering Luis towards a new destiny in the United States Navy.
Embark on a journey of transformation and courage as Luis shares his story of becoming a Corpsman, a role that melded his innate desire to heal with the discipline and valor of military service. Assigned to a Marine Corps Unit, Luis's resilience and dedication were tested during the harrowing battle of Nasiriyah in March 2003. His recount of the intense combat and his life-saving actions under enemy fire will leave you on the edge of your seat, exemplifying why he was honored as the first Navy Corpsman to receive the prestigious Navy Cross since the Vietnam War.
However, the battle scars run deep, and Luis’s narrative doesn't shy away from the haunting aftermath of war. In a raw and honest account, he opens up about the demons he battles daily, painting a vivid picture of the mental and emotional toll that lingers long after the battlefield's dust has settled. His transition out of the military is a testament to the strength and vulnerability of those who have served, offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
This episode is not just a recount of Luis Fonseca Jr.'s valor and sacrifice; it's an intimate portrait of a man who turned adversity into strength, a beacon of hope for those navigating the darkness of their past toward a brighter future. Join us as we honor the service, resilience, and unyielding spirit of this remarkable Navy Corpsman.
Tune in, be moved, and gain a deeper understanding of the life behind the uniform. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of Urban Valor, where we bring you the untold stories of courage, sacrifice, and redemption from our brave veterans.
#Navy #MilitaryHeroes #UrbanValor #OperationIraqiFreedom #NavyCross #CombatStories #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryLife

Marine Left for Dead in Mojave Desert Sparks Internal Investigation Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Dive deep into the captivating and genuine narrative of Kevin Wilson, a distinguished Marine Corps veteran who embarked on an unforgettable journey from the peaceful streets of South Pasadena, California, to the intense and demanding life of a Marine. In this exclusive video, Kevin Wilson shares his raw and unfiltered experiences, shedding light on the life of a Marine, from the adrenaline-pumping training at MCRD San Diego to the emotionally charged moments of service and the aftermath of military life.
Discover the story of a young man raised in a nurturing environment who transformed into a resilient Lance Corporal, facing the rigors of Marine Corps life with determination and courage. Witness the gripping account of his deployment, the unexpected twists during his duty in Norfolk, Virginia, and the harrowing responsibilities that tested his mettle and forged unbreakable bonds with his brothers in arms.
Feel the weight of tragedy as Kevin narrates the heart-wrenching incident of a fellow Marine left behind, an event that left an indelible mark on his soul and unveiled the unpredictable nature of military operations. But it's not just about the challenges; it's also about the reflections, the personal growth, and the unspoken bond shared among those who wear the uniform.
This video isn't just a recounting of events; it's a tribute to the spirit of the Marine Corps, the lessons learned, and the unyielding strength required to face the uncertainties of both military and civilian life. Join us in honoring the journey of Kevin Wilson, a story of bravery, adversity, camaraderie, and the quest for personal fulfillment beyond the barracks.
Kevin's narrative resonates with anyone who's ever faced a crossroads, highlighting the universal themes of decision-making, dealing with life's unexpected turns, and finding one's path in the aftermath of profound experiences. Whether you're a veteran, active service member, or someone who appreciates the profound sacrifices made by military personnel, this video offers a unique perspective on life in and after the Marine Corps.
Subscribe to our channel for more heartfelt stories, insights into military life, and reflections on the human spirit seen through the eyes of those who've served. Your support helps us bring these important narratives to the forefront, fostering understanding and appreciation for the brave men and women who serve.
#VeteranStories #Marine #UrbanValor #Military
Remember to like, comment, and share if Kevin's story touched your heart or inspired you in any way. Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful stories. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for more content that delves into the lives of extraordinary individuals.

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