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.

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Video Chapters: 
00:00 - Ambushed on Patrol
04:09 - Growing Up in Swansea
07:21 - Early Interest in the Military
10:59 - Choosing the Royal Marines
14:15 - Passing Commando Selection
18:15 - Brutality of Marine Training
21:30 - Lessons from Early Marine Life
28:25 - Graduation Day & First Posting
35:12 - Surviving Arctic Warfare Training
38:24 - Deployment to Iraq Begins
42:21 - Forming a New Special Forces Unit
46:02 - First Missions in Baghdad
50:04 - Friendly Fire & Chaos of War
53:26 - The Reality of Combat Loss
57:24 - Nighttime Snatch Attempt by Al Qaeda
1:00:42 - Saved by a US Convoy
1:07:37 - Hostage Rescue Training
1:11:54 - Helmand Surge Deployment
1:15:27 - On the Ground in Afghanistan
1:23:02 - “Fix Bayonets” in Live Combat
1:26:23 - Jungle Warfare Instructor Course in Brunei
1:30:39 - Blown Up by IED in Yak Chal
1:34:15 - Continuing the Mission Despite Trauma
1:38:17 - Final Stand in the Village of Fad
1:46:11 - Training Replacements for Afghanistan
1:49:49 - Medical Discharge and the Fallout
1:57:45 - Losing Purpose After Leaving Service
2:05:54 - Struggles with Alcohol & Isolation
2:09:22 - Why Simplicity in Combat is Missed
2:13:33 - PTSD vs. Lack of Purpose
2:16:51 - Undercover as a Homeless Veteran
2:20:45 - Smuggling Into the UK as a Migrant
2:24:12 - Rebuilding Life & Staying Sober

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #royalmarinecommando #royalmarines

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.

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Video Chapters: 
00:00 - Explosive Discovery: EOD Marine Finds Live Rounds  
03:50 - Who is Jason Angell? Marine Corps Journey Begins  
07:01 - The Hardest Marines to Deal With in Training  
12:00 - Overcoming Injury & Returning as an Officer  
20:05 - Preparing for War: Deployment to Iraq in 2003  
34:15 - Sadr City: Intense Combat & Unexpected Chaos  
37:40 - Calling in A-10 Air Support Under Fire  
52:04 - First Time Shot At Since the Invasion  
1:02:46 - Partnering with the Legendary 506th Infantry  
1:30:27 - Witnessing a Marine Lose His Leg in Battle  
1:45:10 - Surviving a Sniper’s Bullet by Inches  
2:02:47 - Transporting General Mattis Through a Warzone  
2:10:05 - The Psychological Toll of War & Transitioning to Civilian Life  
2:16:48 - Writing His Story: Honoring the Brotherhood  

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #usmarine #marines

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.

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Video Chapters: 
00:00 – Introduction: From LA Streets to Navy Master Chief
00:44 – Childhood in South Central LA & Early Gang Involvement
05:08 – Getting Jumped into a Gang at Age 11
11:00 – Living the Gang Life: Violence, Crime, and Survival
19:06 – The Turning Point: A Military Commercial Changed Everything
23:12 – Facing Obstacles: Tattoos, Waivers & Enlisting in the Navy
30:56 – Boot Camp & Military Discipline: Adapting to a New Life
38:44 – Challenges at Sea: Deployments, Hazing & Survival
46:27 – Combat Operations: Supporting Troops on the Ground
52:30 – Retirement & Life After the Navy
55:15 – Giving Back: Mentoring At-Risk Youth & Inspiring Change

#military #warstories #urbanvalor #usnavy #navyveteran

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.

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Video Chapters: 
00:44 - Childhood and Troubled Family Background
09:16 - Teenage Years and Finding Heavy Metal Community
17:38 - Joining the Military and Overcoming Fear of Heights
25:32 - Airborne Training and Arrival in Italy
33:07 - Deployment to Afghanistan and Combat Experience
49:05 - First Confirmed Kill and Taliban Execution
1:01:03 - Losing a Friend in Battle
1:33:28 - Becoming a Drill Sergeant and Leadership Challenges
2:10:02 - Mental Health Struggles and Rediscovering Faith
2:22:36 - Launching a Veteran Support Project

#military #warstories #urbanvalor  #marines #taliban

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!

🚨 We Need Your Help Improving Veteran Support! 🚨

Andrew is conducting a research study on veteran reintegration experiences, and your input can help shape future support programs. If you are a U.S. military veteran, please take 8 minutes to complete this confidential survey:

👉 Take the Survey Here: https://alliant.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yAyHVylSQzoflQ

Your participation is crucial in helping improve resources for veterans. Mental health support resources are provided regardless of completion.

What do you think? Should the military do more to support transitioning veterans? Drop a comment below!

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

Video Chapters: 
01:15 – Growing Up in a Conservative Household
03:45 – Why I Joined the Marines: A Fascination with Death
06:10 – The Harsh Realities of Boot Camp & Marine Culture
09:30 – Combat Deployment to Afghanistan: Facing Life & Death
14:20 – Returning Home: The Unexpected Struggles of Reintegration
19:45 – Why the Military Fails Veterans After Service
24:00 – PTSD, Depression & The Silent Battle Veterans Fight
28:30 – From Warfighter to Therapist: Helping Veterans Heal
32:15 – How to Fix Veteran Transition: Who’s Responsible?

#military #warstories #urbanvalor  #marines #mentalhealth #veteranmentalhealth

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.

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Video Chapters: 
00:45 - Growing Up Between Two Worlds (South Shore, MA & Amherst, NH)
02:10 - Enlisting in the Marine Corps for Validation
04:00 - Boot Camp on Halloween Night: A Brutal Introduction
06:30 - The Reality of War: Deployment and 9/11’s Impact
09:45 - The Mission: Recovering a Fallen Marine
12:20 - Entering Nasiriyah: A Dangerous Operation
15:40 - Finding Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez’s Body
18:30 - Carrying Him Home: A Moment of Brotherhood
22:15 - The Aftermath: Returning from Combat
25:50 - Struggles with PTSD, Alcoholism & Civilian Life
30:10 - Hitting Rock Bottom & Seeking Help
35:45 - Mental Health, Recovery & Helping Fellow Veterans

#military #warstories #urbanvalor  #marines #warstories #veteran

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.

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

Video Chapters: 
📌 01:15 - Growing Up in Colchester, CT & 9/11’s Impact
📌 02:45 - Enlisting in the Navy & Special Ops Training
📌 05:30 - Becoming a Special Operations Corpsman (Recon IDC)
📌 08:10 - Intense Military Training & Surviving Sleep Deprivation
📌 11:25 - Near-Fatal Flashbang Accident: Losing Part of His Hand
📌 15:40 - Career Sabotage Attempt by a Superior Officer
📌 20:50 - Deployments & Life-Saving Medical Interventions
📌 27:00 - Rescuing a Mom & Child After 110-ft Tree Crash
📌 33:15 - How Military Training Prepared Him for Real-Life Emergencies
📌 38:00 - The Importance of Veterans' Transition Planning
📌 42:30 - Lessons in Leadership & Overcoming Adversity
📌 47:00 - Final Reflections & Advice for Future Service Members

#military #warstories #urbanvalor  #navy #warstories #veteranpodcast

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.

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

Video Chapters: 
00:46 - Growing Up in California & Family Challenges
01:49 - Discovering Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts Influence
03:27 - How 9/11 Inspired Him to Join the Marines
05:00 - Choosing the Infantry & Marine Corps Training
07:49 - Boot Camp & Martial Arts Testing in the Marines
14:50 - Deploying to Iraq: First Battle of Fallujah
17:00 - Surviving the Fallujah Mile – Intense Combat Stories
18:31 - Foreign Fighters in Fallujah & the Reality of War
20:33 - Ramadi’s Deadliest Streets & The IED Threat
27:52 - Coping with PTSD & Post-War Struggles
39:33 - Finding Purpose Through Jiu-Jitsu After Combat
45:48 - Overcoming Alcoholism & The Road to Recovery
51:30 - Opening His Own Jiu-Jitsu Academy
53:29 - COVID-19 Setbacks & Rebuilding His Business

#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast

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.

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Video Chapters: 
01:12 - Childhood Challenges
05:41 - Turning Point: Choosing the Marines
11:04 - Recruiter’s Deception
16:28 - Struggles in the Reserves
21:46 - Mental Health Impact
29:27 - Finding Resilience and Moving Forward
37:34 - Life After the Marines
45:24 - Lessons Learned 

#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast

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.

💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Chris's story? Let us know in the comments!

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

Video Chapters: 
01:42 - Family Legacy of Service
03:22 - Choosing the Marine Corps
10:31 - Harsh Realities of Boot Camp
13:12 - Rising Through the Ranks
40:30 - Disarming a Comrade in Crisis
52:53 - Transitioning to Civilian Life
54:35 - Lessons in Resilience and Recovery
57:34 - Reflections on Service and Brotherhood

#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #warstories #veteranpodcast