Urban Valor: the podcast - Urban Valor

Latest Episodes:

Marine Assaulted by Superior Ahead of Combat Deployment Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

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

MARSOC Eliminates Rogue Afghan Soldier Behind 3 Marine Deaths Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

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!
✅ PLEASE "LIKE" THE PODCAST TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR JESSE!
✅ PLEASE "COMMENT" AND SHARE YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT!
✅ PLEASE "SUBSCRIBE" SO YOU NEVER MISS A WEEKLY URBAN VALOR EPISODE!
#veteran #army #urbanvalor #military #marines

Army Soldier’s Battle with Childhood Trauma and Cancer Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

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.
✅ PLEASE "LIKE" THE VIDEO TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR JESSE!
✅ PLEASE "COMMENT" AND SHARE YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT!
✅ PLEASE "SUBSCRIBE" SO YOU NEVER MISS A WEEKLY URBAN VALOR EPISODE!

Marine Vet’s Near-Death Van Accident to Military Apparel Founder Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

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.
👍 Please LIKE the video so we know you're enjoying our interviews!
✅ Please SUBSCRIBE to Urban Valor So You NEVER Miss a Weekly Episode!
🗣️ Please COMMENT with any questions you have or to show your support for Spencer and/or Urban Valor, we'll answer ASAP.

Army Paratroopers Confront Iraqi Combatants in Hand-to-Hand Battle Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

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.

Gunny Clause: From the Battlefields of Iraq to Holiday Hero Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

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

From Poverty to Patriot: Immigrant’s Journey in the U.S. Military 🇺🇸 Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

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

Surviving Nasiriyah’s “Ambush Alley” During 2003 Iraq Invasion 🇺🇸 Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

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.
👍 Please LIKE the video so we know you're enjoying our interviews!
✅ Please SUBSCRIBE to Urban Valor So You NEVER Miss a Weekly Episode!
🗣️ Pleas COMMENT with any questions you have or to show your support for Miguel and/or Urbane Valor, we'll answer ASAP.
#veteran #military #urbanvalor #marines #marine #usmarine #war #combatveteran

Marine Vet Transforms Military Experience into Business Success! Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

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

Marine’s Reenlistment Orders Denied Over Tattoo Violations Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

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.
🎯 SUBSCRIBE so you NEVER miss an Episode of Urban Valor!
👍 LIKE the video to show support for Ryan and our Veterans!
🎙️ COMMENT to show your support for Ryan and/or Urban Valor!
#Military #Veteran #urbanvalor #marines #marine #veterans