Urban Valor: the podcast

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.

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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!

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

Video Chapters:
01:30 - Introduction and Background
03:16 - Family Business 
06:04 - Childhood and Early Challenges
14:14 - Joining the Army
17:07 - Basic Training
22:51 - Deployment and First Missions
28:21 - Learning About IEDs
37:00 - Article 15 Incident
42:34 - Accepting Punishment
48:38 - First Day in Combat Zone
1:01:05 - Losing a Comrade
1:07:55 - Learning from Rangers
1:16:40 - Geoffrey's Own Injury
1:34:23 - Leaving the Army
1:47:53 - Honoring Fallen Comrades
1:56:53 - Importance of Healthy Coping Mechanisms


#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmyveteran #usarmy

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.

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

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.

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

Video Chapters:
00:28 Early Life
3:03 Military Influence 
08:27 Boot Camp
16:11 Entering the Fleet
25:42 First Deployment 
34:35 Truck  Platoon
40:06 Into Iraq
1:05:10 Coming Home 
1:10:10 The Transition 
1:13:48 Societal Plague 


#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine

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."

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

Video Chapters 
10:27 Boot Camp
35:19 Ranger Selection
46:42 Cole Rangers
1:00:36 2nd Ranger Battalion
1:08:21 Full Eagle
1:20:53 Ranger School 
1:46:14 Into the Fire
2:00:22 Riot Control 
2:03:30 The Transition


#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmyveteran #usarmy

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.

👍 Like this video to support to show appreciation for Mick and/or 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: 
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

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.

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✅ 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 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.

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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

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

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

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