Podcasts about military matters

What really happens when a U.S. Marine fighter pilot faces off with a Russian MiG-29 at 8Gs? In this week's episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with Major Ed Rush, a decorated Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of tactical flight time and over 50 combat missions under his belt.Raised by a legendary basketball coach and an NBA referee, Ed's journey took him from a high-pressure family legacy to the skies over Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, he shares how a lie at a bar landed him in the Marines, what it feels like to be shot at during takeoff, and the second-by-second breakdown of an epic simulated dogfight against a Russian MiG-29.Ed didn't just fly F/A-18s—he became the #1 dogfighting instructor in the Marine Corps, helped shape the F-35 training program, and later launched a successful entrepreneurial career by applying fighter pilot tactics to leadership and life.

Meet Marine Corps veteran Armando Garcia, a dual-branch warrior who served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. In this episode of Urban Valor, Garcia recounts his incredible journey from Desert Storm to Fallujah, including surviving a grenade blast, building military infrastructure, training future Marines, and even serving alongside his own son in Iraq.From enlisting to escape poverty to being handpicked by General “Mad Dog” Mattis for Ranger School, Garcia's path includes everything from infantry combat to drill instructor duty to command-level strategy in some of the Marine Corps' most intense operations.

Former U.S. Marine Michael Delery joins us on Urban Valor to share a powerful and haunting story from his time in Iraq. During the 2003 invasion, Mike's unit was approached by a young Iraqi boy who led them to a shallow grave—revealing the remains of four missing American soldiers.Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Mike faced nonstop pressure to join gangs. Instead, he chose the Marine Corps and built a life of service and sacrifice. In this episode, he recounts the intensity of Marine Corps Security Forces training, the chaos of combat deployments, and the moment that would stay with him forever.He also opens up about the emotional weight carried by veterans after service—navigating PTSD, losing friends to suicide, and the harsh reality of returning home. From sleeping on a living room floor weeks after deployment to the frustrations of Marine Corps recruiting, Mike offers an unfiltered look at military life before and after combat.

This week on Urban Valor, we hear the extraordinary story of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Ham—a combat videographer whose job was to document war through the lens. Serving from 2007 to 2017, Robert captured footage most Americans will never see—graphic, haunting, and real. But it wasn't until he reviewed the footage later that the emotional weight truly hit him.In this week's episode of Urban Valor, Robert shares the reality of filming dying Afghans, surviving mortar attacks, and embedding with combat units across Afghanistan. He opens up about the toll that job took on his mental health and what happened after he came home. Despite enrolling at USC's top-ranked film school, he struggled with depression, identity loss, and nearly took his own life.Now a filmmaker dedicated to preserving the stories of those who served, Robert is the creator behind Interpreters Wanted and Searching for Bergdahl. His story is one of service, trauma, survival, and healing.

Michael Allison is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who survived a devastating VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) attack in Iraq—but his toughest battles came after the war. In this episode of Urban Valor, Michael opens up about the trauma that followed his deployment, including PTSD, addiction, and divorce.Born in Jamaica and raised in America, Michael's life was marked by adversity from the start. After joining the Marines at just 17, he was deployed to some of the most dangerous combat zones in the Middle East. When his convoy was hit by a deadly car bomb, he was awarded the Purple Heart. But it was life after service that nearly broke him.From losing close friends in combat to battling mental illness, alcoholism, and the collapse of his marriage, Michael faced rock bottom. In this episode, he shares the raw truth of what it's like to come home broken—and how he rebuilt his life, remarried his wife, reconnected with his children, and found healing through therapy and purpose.

Marine veteran George Kite shares his account of close combat in Fallujah, the brutal realities of war, and the lifelong impact of PTSD in this week's Urban Valor episode. From growing up poor in South Carolina—sometimes homeless—to enlisting on his 17th birthday, George's journey is one of survival, grit, and raw honesty.He remembers the chaos of the First Battle of Fallujah, including rooftop firefights, mortar attacks, and moments that still haunt him decades later. George opens up about accidentally shooting a combatant, encountering child soldiers, losing friends in battle, and the emotional fallout that followed. His story captures what so many combat veterans face but rarely share publicly.George also describes life after war: working with the Army National Guard, battling depression, and discovering a new purpose by supporting fellow veterans through mental health challenges. From sniper school to urban warfare instructor to DC security assignments, George's Marine Corps career is filled with intense and emotional moments that every American should hear.This is not just a war story. It's a human story. One of courage, trauma, transformation, and the quiet fight that continues long after the battlefield.

Navy Veteran Jesse Swalley shares his story of survival after a brutal knife attack left him paralyzed. Raised in the San Fernando Valley, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Navy seeking a better life and served as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate from 1980 to 1986. After navigating the dangers of the flight deck and the challenges of military life, Jesse faced his greatest battle on U.S. soil—stabbed multiple times trying to break up a fight. Despite a severed spinal cord, Jesse refused to let paralysis define him. Teaching himself how to skateboard again, he proves that resilience knows no limits. In this episode of Urban Valor, Jesse opens up about life at sea, overcoming addiction, surviving near-death, and reclaiming his spirit.

Marine veteran Sam Williams reveals the brutal reality of close-quarters combat during the Iraq War, including the infamous Second Battle of Fallujah. In this Urban Valor episode, Sam shares his experiences from the frontlines of Iraq, where he and his unit were forced to retreat from Mosul after engaging a hostile crowd and later thrown into the bloodiest urban battle of the war.Born in a trailer park and raised on a Northern Michigan farm, Sam joined the Marines seeking a sense of purpose after losing his childhood home to a fire. Over 13 years of service, he faced deadly firefights, watched close friends fall, and learned what it truly means to survive war—and life after it.

In this week's episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran Denny Giamazzo, who was raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Denny faced unspeakable abuse—abandoned by his drug-addicted mother, burned with cigarettes, and left alone for days as a young child. After entering foster care, he found brief moments of hope, but the scars of his past never left him.Denny opens up about nearly dying during Army basic training after a routine wisdom tooth extraction went horribly wrong, landing him in the ICU. He later deployed to Afghanistan, where he was forced to pull mangled bodies from trucks and survive gunfire in exposed overwatch positions. Now a mental health advocate, Denny speaks candidly about his struggle with PTSD, self harm thoughts, and how he's working to rebuild his life through veteran brotherhood and mentorship.

Army veteran George Hayworth faced war in Afghanistan—but his toughest battle came after returning home. In this week's episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with George, a former U.S. Army Artillery Officer, who opens up about his life before, during, and after combat. From his service with the 101st Airborne Division to struggling with identity, addiction, and nearly losing his marriage, George shares how the trauma of combat followed him into civilian life—and what it took to reclaim his family and rebuild himself from the inside out.If you're searching for real stories about mental health, veteran struggles, addiction recovery, or military life beyond the battlefield, this is an episode you can't miss. George's transparency will resonate with anyone who has fought silent battles in the shadows.

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Marine Rob Martinez, whose unbelievable story of perseverance through Scout Sniper and MARSOC selection is inspiring and heartbreaking. Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Rob enlisted in the Marine Corps after a rough start in life. Originally signed up as a Motor Transport Mechanic, Rob's ambition never stopped. While stationed in Kuwait, he qualified for Scout Sniper Indoctrination. Later, he passed all phases of the elite Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Assessment & Selection—only to be denied selection without explanation.In this interview, Rob opens up about the emotional toll of being passed over after pushing his body and mind to the limit. He also discusses his journey through divorce, injury, and transition to civilian life. Today, Rob dedicates himself to helping fellow service members through his nonprofit, All Clear Gear.

Retired Royal Marine Commando Lee West joins us on Urban Valor to recount the moments when he was nearly kidnapped by Al Qaeda at a checkpoint in Baghdad. Lee served from 2003 to 2020, rising to the rank of Color Sergeant, and brings a firsthand account of frontline combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, Lee was ambushed and blown off his feet by a massive IED blast. His story includes undercover work in the Calais migrant camps while still on active duty, revealing shocking flaws in UK border security.Watch as Lee opens up about brotherhood, trauma, and the sacrifices soldiers make—both on and off the battlefield.

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we feature Marine Captain Jason Angell, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Iraq War, including brutal combat in Ramadi and Hit. From relentless firefights to life-or-death situations, Jason takes us deep into the chaos of urban warfare, the unwavering courage of Marines, and the brotherhood that kept them pushing forward.Jason, a former U.S. Marine (1993-2008), served as both an infantryman and an officer. He takes us back to the early days of the Iraq invasion in 2003, leading up to some of the most intense battles Marines faced in Iraq's most dangerous warzones. His stories reveal the brutal reality of modern warfare, the mental and physical toll on soldiers, and the moments that defined their service.Through the episode you will hear raw, unfiltered accounts of combat, leadership under fire, and the challenges faced by those who risk everything for their country.

From the violent streets of South Central LA to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy...this is the incredible true story of Raul Ramos. Drawn into gang life at just 11 years old, Raul had gang tattoos on his face by 13 and was living in one of the most dangerous environments in America. But at 18, he made a life-changing decision: joining the U.S. Navy. Rising to the rank of E9 Master Chief, Raul served for 24 years, overcoming immense challenges both on and off the battlefield.In this powerful episode of Urban Valor, Raul shares raw, unfiltered stories about his early struggles, the harsh realities of gang culture, and the defining moment that pushed him to change his path. He dives into his military career, the battles he fought—both externally and internally—and how he now mentors at-risk youth, helping them break free from the cycle of violence.

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Danny Szczakowski, a former Airborne Infantry paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. From enduring a challenging childhood in Hereford, Texas, to facing intense combat in Afghanistan, Danny's story is one of resilience and sacrifice.In this episode, he recounts multiple gunfights against the Taliban as they attempted to overrun their outpost, his harrowing experience recovering a fallen helicopter that claimed the lives of two pilots, and how his journey as a Drill Sergeant took an unexpected turn. Danny also opens up about the emotional toll of military service and a personal battle that led him into a dark mental space.His story is one of courage, survival, and the unseen struggles of veterans after service. Watch as he shares firsthand accounts of combat, the lessons he's learned, and his fight to find peace after war.

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Marine veteran Andrew Higgins, who shares the brutal reality of military transition. After enlisting as an 0311 Rifleman, Andrew deployed to Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening situations and the psychological conditioning of becoming a warfighter.Now a Readjustment Counselor and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Andrew exposes the military's most significant failure—its lack of support for transitioning veterans. He discusses the emotional toll of combat, the struggles of reintegration, and whether the responsibility for helping veterans transition should fall on the military or outside organizations.If you've ever wondered about the mental challenges veterans face after service, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. What do you think? Should the military do more to support transitioning veterans? Comment below!

Marine veteran Chris Mansfield shares his story of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where he and his unit were tasked with a harrowing mission: recovering Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, a fallen Marine who was captured, dragged through the streets, and hung in the town center of Nasiriyah before being buried in a landfill.In this episode of Urban Valor, Chris reflects on his journey from growing up between South Shore, MA, and Amherst, NH, seeking validation through the Marine Corps, and ultimately serving as an 0351 Antitank Assaultman with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. He opens up about the mental and emotional toll of war, the intense bonds forged in combat, and the struggles of transitioning back to civilian life.

This week's Urban Valor episode features Rory Farrell, a retired Navy Special Operations Corpsman (2004-2024), who shares his journey through the military and beyond. Growing up in Colchester, CT, Rory was deeply impacted by 9/11, which inspired him to enlist in the Navy. He pursued the Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman pipeline, undergoing some of the most grueling training in military history to become a Special Ops Medic. Throughout his career, Rory faced intense challenges, including a flashbang accident that nearly cost him his hand, and a shocking attempt by a superior officer to sabotage his career. However, one of his most extraordinary moments came when he rescued a mother and her child after a 110-ft tree crushed their car at Yosemite National Park. His quick thinking and elite medical training saved their lives, demonstrating the resilience, sacrifice, and heroism that define special operations forces.

Marine Veteran Brian Mendez takes us inside the brutal battles of Fallujah and Ramadi, sharing his experiences fighting through the Fallujah Mile, one of the deadliest combat zones of the Iraq War. In this episode of Urban Valor, Brian reflects on the mental and emotional toll of war, his battle with PTSD, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became his saving grace. From enlisting after 9/11 to becoming a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, Brian's journey is one of resilience, survival, and redemption.

In this week's Urban Valor episode, we feature Marine veteran Michael D'Angelo, a Las Vegas native who overcame a turbulent upbringing marked by homelessness and family struggles. Michael shares his journey from running the streets to enlisting in the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. He opens up about how a recruiter's deception left him in the Reserves instead of active duty, leading to years of frustration and mental health challenges as he tried to transfer to active duty without support from his command. This powerful story highlights resilience, perseverance, and the unseen struggles many veterans face during and after their service.

In this powerful Urban Valor episode, Marine veteran Chris Skinner shares his gripping story of courage and quick thinking that prevented a potential tragedy. Serving in the U.S. Marines as a Combat Logistics Specialist from 2016 to 2022, Chris recalls his most pivotal moment—disarming a fellow Marine who was on the brink of taking his life. Through his heartfelt account, Chris discusses the pressures of military life, the bonds forged in service, and the importance of mental health awareness.Chris also reflects on his journey from boot camp to becoming a Marksmanship Instructor, offering insights into leadership, resilience, and the value of being there for others in their darkest moments.

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army Green Beret and Special Forces Medic, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jacek “Jack” Waliszewski. A political refugee from Poland, Jack's life was shaped by his father's role in co-founding the Solidarity Movement, one of the most successful anti-communist revolutions in history.Jack takes us deep into his world as a Green Beret, revealing the extreme trauma he faced in combat, the life-threatening situations he endured, and how these experiences impacted his mental health and family life. From war zones to near-death encounters, Jack opens up about the realities of serving in Special Forces and what it means to survive both on and off the battlefield.

In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Kristine Phanthavilay, a former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant (E6) and Motor Transport Mechanic (2006-2010). Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Kristine joined the Marine Corps after struggling in college, looking for something more. She shares what it was like growing up as a first-generation American from Laotian refugee parents, knowing little about the military until 9/11 changed everything.Kristine opens up about the mental and physical challenges of boot camp, the pressure of being a female Marine, and the difficult leadership she faced during her service. She also speaks candidly about the emotional toll of military life, including the loss of fellow service members and the struggles veterans face transitioning back to civilian life. After leaving active duty to raise her child, she realized how much she missed the Marines and returned to the Reserves, balancing military life with single motherhood.This conversation sheds light on the real mental health challenges that veterans face, the gaps in military support, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. Kristine's story is one of strength, heartbreak, and finding purpose despite the struggles. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health challenges, reach out—support is available.

This episode of Urban Valor highlights the incredible life of U.S. Navy SEAL veteran Johnny Collins. Growing up in Sykesville, Maryland, Johnny overcame personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, to pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL. Enduring six grueling BUD/S classes and three Hell Weeks, he demonstrated determination to earn the coveted SEAL Trident. Johnny shares powerful stories of rigorous training, deployment experiences, and how he transitioned his tactical skills into civilian success.

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Daniel Perez. Born in Riverside, CA, Daniel grew up in a challenging childhood marked by his parents' separation and lack of supervision. His early years were consumed by fighting, drug use, and being expelled from high school.Motivated by stories of Iraqi sniper "Juba," Daniel enlisted in the Army National Guard as an 11B infantryman. His deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan brought harrowing experiences, including a blue-on-blue firefight, MRAP crashes, and tense confrontations with civilians in life-or-death scenarios.Daniel's story also discusses the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, from battling mental health struggles to finding his footing after the Army.

In this week's Urban Valor episode, retired Marine First Sergeant Mark Wheatley shares gripping stories from his 24 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps (1975–1999). Born at Kirtland Air Force Base, Mark grew up in a military family but broke tradition by joining the Marines instead of the Air Force.Mark reveals truths about his time as a Drill Instructor, the challenges of transforming civilians into battle-ready Marines, and what separates good instructors from the bad. He also opens up about his transition to civilian life, the mental resilience it requires, and his advice for veterans struggling to adapt. 

This week on the Urban Valor Podcast, we meet Cory Carranza, a Purple Heart recipient and Army and Marine Corps veteran. Cory's story begins in Banning, CA, where he endured heartbreaking childhood trauma. After witnessing a horrific event as a kid, Cory turned to the Army when college didn't work out, becoming a 91B Combat Medic.In this episode, Cory takes us through his combat deployment to Iraq, surviving a harrowing ambush where multiple RPGs struck his Humvee. Despite his injuries, Cory pushed forward and enlisted in the Marine Corps, attending boot camp as a decorated combat veteran.Cory reflects on how his past shaped him, the toll of his experiences, and the strategies he uses to stay mentally strong.

This week on Urban Valor, we highlight the incredible journey of Marine Veteran William Kaisen. Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Will grew up in a challenging environment just miles from New York City. At just 15 years old, he witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, which deeply influenced his decision to serve his country.Driven by a lifelong dream to become a Marine, Will enlisted as an infantry rifleman. In this emotional episode, he shares the harrowing details of January 7, 2006—the worst day of his life. That day, three of his Marine brothers were killed in action, and later, while on post in Fallujah, Will was shot in the head by an enemy sniper. Despite his critical injury, Will and his teammate bravely fought their way through the kill zone.Will also opens up about the emotional toll of his second deployment to Fallujah, how combat trauma shaped his life, and his eventual decision to leave the Marine Corps.

Welcome to the Athletic Motion Golf Podcast, where co-founders Mike Granato and Shaun Webb help you play your best golf. Through a fact-based approach, they tackle the common challenges golfers face on the course, in practice, and in their quest to improve.In this episode, Mike and Shaun break down one of the top golf swing faults of 2024: early extension. They uncover why the popular advice to “keep the trail hip back” doesn't align with what top players actually do. With insights from 3D data and examples, they provide solutions to improve your swing and timing for better performance.

In this Urban Valor episode, Navy Corpsman veteran Clint Peyton shares his journey from Corpus Christi, TX, to serving in the Navy. Raised in San Diego, Clint left high school early to work construction before enlisting as a Hospital Corpsman. Assigned to a Marine Corps helicopter squadron, he flew missions during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing critical medical care in some of the war's deadliest battles, including Al Nasiriyah and the Second Battle of Fallujah. Clint reflects on his intense combat experiences and how they shaped his transition back to civilian life.

Marine veteran Darnell Golden shares his incredible journey from a troubled neighborhood and early life in Baltimore to the battlefield of the Second Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest Marine Corps battle since Vietnam. Darnell credits his grandfather for molding him into the man he is today and for the reason he enlisted in the Marine Corps.  Darnell enlisted as a Radio Operator and never expected to see combat during his time in the Marines. . In this episode, Darnell also gives a detailed account of his Marine Corps boot camp experience.

Welcome to the Athletic Motion Golf Podcast with hosts Mike Granato and Shaun Webb, co-founders of Athletic Motion Golf. In this episode, we dive into one of the most common swing faults golfers face—the "arm wipe." This misleading move, influenced by 2D camera illusions and incorrect concepts, frustrates golfers and hinders performance. Mike and Shaun break down the facts behind the swing mechanics, why the "arm wipe" persists, and how understanding 3D motion can lead to real improvement in your game.Get tips on achieving better shaft lean, rotation, and impact positions without falling into the trap of outdated swing theories. Plus, hear insights into how top players move and why correcting your swing concept is the key to playing your best golf.If you're ready to transform your swing with a fact-based approach, tune in and improve today! Don't forget to leave a 5-star review and check out "The Matrix" at AthleticMotionGolf.com for step-by-step guidance on lowering your scores.

This week's Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and Navy Cross recipient Aubrey McDade Jr. Aubrey was born in Pasadena, CA, but grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He lived in a rough neighborhood and witnessed a lot of violence at a young age. Aubrey enlisted into the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. In this episode, he shares his experience in The Second Battle of Fallujah, where he made several trips under intense enemy fire during an ambush to save the lives of two Marines. Aubrey received the Navy Cross for his actions on that day of 11/11/2004. He also shares his experience of his time as a Marine Drill Instructor.

In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Army Blackhawk Pilot Veteran Josh Halu, who shares his journey from a challenging childhood to serving as a Battle Captain in Afghanistan. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Denver, Josh faced unimaginable hardship at a young age, with his father's tragic death marking a pivotal moment in his life. Fueled by resilience, he set his sights on West Point, ultimately becoming a US Army Blackhawk pilot.Join us as Josh opens up about his experiences in Afghanistan, where he led critical rescue missions for downed aircraft, known as “Fallen Angels,” in hostile territory. Josh also discusses his path to healing and the methods he's used to cope with trauma.

In this episode of Urban Valor, Marine veteran Brandon Hagar, a former U.S. Marine Infantryman (2017-2021, E4/Corporal), shares the tragic story of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) mishap that resulted in the deaths of 8 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsman. Brandon, from Turlock, CA, opens up about the toxic leadership within his command, describing how constant micromanagement and leadership failures contributed to this tragic event. The AAV sinking marked one of the darkest moments in his military career, with Brandon reflecting on how it highlighted severe Marine Corps leadership issues.Brandon's journey didn't end there. Despite the trauma of his enlistment, he found a new purpose in life after leaving the Marines. Today, he helps veterans rediscover their purpose through nutrition coaching and powerlifting, supporting those struggling with their post-military lives.

In this episode of Urban Valor, we welcome back Army and Marine veteran Harry Martinez. Last week, Harry shared his journey growing up in Brunswick, NJ, joining the Army National Guard, and later transitioning to the Marines where he became part of the 1st Battalion 6th Marines Sniper Platoon as a PIG (Professional Instructed Gunman). This week, Harry reflects on his combat deployments. Still, the focus shifts to a powerful story about how he and his two Marine combat veteran sons teamed up with the Peshmerga to fight ISIS in Iraq as civilians. Harry how, after overhearing his sons' plans to join the fight, he felt compelled to go with them, unable to let his bloodline face the danger alone. In the end, this experience impacted his mental health, fighting alongside his sons.

In this week's Urban Valor episode, Army & Marine Corps Veteran Harry Martinez shares his incredible journey from growing up in New Brunswick, NJ, to serving in the Army National Guard and the Marines. With roots in Colombia, Harry's upbringing instilled high standards that shaped his military career. He started with the Army National Guard, later becoming a Marine rifleman and joining the 1st Battalion 6th Marines Sniper Platoon as a PIG (Professional Instructed Gunman). After his honorable discharge, Harry served as a police sniper and instructor before deploying as a Sniper Section Leader to Ramadi, Iraq. In this episode, Harry opens up about his experiences and his sniper teams' impact in Iraq. Get ready for one of the most gripping, detailed interviews yet, packed with mind-blowing stories you won't want to miss.

This week's Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Sergeant Major Juan Hidalgo, a native of National City, CA. Inspired by his neighbor, a WWII veteran who shared stories of his service, Juan enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Tanker and joined the 1st Tank Battalion at Twentynine Palms, CA. In this episode, Juan reflects on his experiences leading Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and his second deployment. His humility and dedication are evident as he speaks about the Marines he served with and the bonds they formed in combat.

This is Military Matters For Vets by Vets, brought to you by America Matters and the NAOP.US network  https://naop.us

This week's Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jay grew up in what many would consider a privileged environment. He initially enlisted in the Navy's Aviation Officer Candidate School and earned his wings in 1987. Seeking new challenges, Jay transitioned to the Marine Corps through an inter-service transfer, becoming a forward air controller and later earning his gold wings. In 2004, Jay took on the Special Operations Forces Liaison Officer role and deployed to Iraq, where he trained Iraqi Special Forces and faced intense combat in Fallujah. During this time, he met a stray dog named "Lava," embarking on a challenging journey to bring him back to San Diego, eventually making Lava his rescue dog. Jay is also the author of two books: From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine and a Dog Named Lava and From Baghdad to America: Life After War for a Marine and His Rescued Dog. In this episode, Jay shares his experiences with trauma, his healing journey using psychedelics, and the impactful work he's doing within the veteran community.

In this episode of Urban Valor, we talk with US Army Veteran and double amputee Geoffrey Quevedo. Raised in Cutler, CA, in a traditional Mexican household where Spanish was his first language, Geoffrey was inspired to serve in the military by his brother-in-law, who was on active duty. He enlisted as a 19D Cavalry Scout and was deployed to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. Geoffrey shares the gripping reality of his deployment, describing the intense and unpredictable danger of patrolling as a mine sweeper. He recounts the day when an explosion changed his life forever, resulting in the loss of an arm and a leg. Sadly, Geoffrey also opens up about the devastating aftermath that his teammate faced, a journey that ended in tragedy.

With the permission of America Media Matters, we will have an episode of Military Matters on this podcast with Ricky Herald and his guest on episode 318 of Timelines, but first, let me give you an update.  As many know, I have been an indy podcaster since 2014. This is my show and RSS feed, but I will soon launch a new podcast for the National Association of Podcasters and the leadup to the NAOP Freedom of Speech conference in May of next year in Reno, Nevada. So for the podcast and more information, go to Https://NAOP.US

This week, Urban Valor features Army veteran Seth Gehle, who shares his powerful and emotional story. This is a hard listen. Growing up in Lima, Ohio, Seth faced unimaginable hardships as a child, which he bravely details in this episode. Despite his challenging upbringing, Seth joined the Army Reserves as a Chemical Equipment Repairman, but the instability in his life led him to shift to active duty as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division.Seth opens up about the struggles he faced in the military, battling insecurities rooted in his past. Breaking his silence has been crucial to healing and lightening the burden he's carried for so long.

This week's Urban Valor episode features Marine veteran Terry Kim, who grew up in Queens, NY. Inspired by his brother, a Marine, Terry decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. Though he initially hoped to join the infantry, he took his family's advice and signed up as an Armorer. Despite their hopes, his role did not shield him from the harsh realities of war. In this episode, Terry shares his experiences from his deployments to Okinawa and Iraq, including his time stationed at Camp Fallujah, where his unit faced 160 casualties and lost 8 members in combat. Terry also reflects on how these experiences have impacted his life after the military as he navigates the challenges of returning to civilian life.

This week's episode of Urban Valor features Army Ranger Veteran and Netflix series host Cameron Fath. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA, Cameron's fascination with guns and tactical training led him to enlist in the Army with a Ranger contract. Cameron details the relentless challenges of the Ranger selection process and the intense experiences that shaped him into one of America's elite warriors.He also opens up about his time in Syria, working in the operation room and witnessing the harsh realities of combat casualties. Cameron reflects on the struggles of returning to civilian life and how he found a new path as the host of Netflix's "Toughest Forces on Earth."

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.

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.