Join us for an in-depth interview with Jake Edwards, a former Marine Corps Sergeant, as he recounts his gripping and emotional experiences during his service from 2003 to 2009. Growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia, Jake's life took a dramatic turn when he joined the Marines, seeking purpose and direction.

In this video, Jake shares harrowing stories from the battlefield, including close encounters with enemy fire, the loss of comrades like Mike Hanks, and the intense brotherhood formed in the face of danger. He details his first day on missions as an engineer platoon member, his role in significant raids, and the challenges of operating in highly dangerous environments like Fallujah.

Jake also reflects on the psychological impact of combat, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and his ongoing commitment to helping the next generation of warfighters. This powerful narrative provides a raw and honest look at the realities of military life, the sacrifices made, and the resilience required to continue moving forward.

Mike Hanks and his sister Melissa grew up on a Michigan farm. Driven by patriotism, Mike enlisted in the United States Marines after high school. As Mike shipped off to serve, Melissa became his go to person, his trusted ear about things he needed to get off his chest – a terrorist attack in Kuwait, the invasion of Iraq, and impending battle that would ultimately claim his life in Fallujah on November 17, 2004.

In this Urban Valor episode, Gold Star sister Melissa honors her brother, Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks. She shares his bravery that earned him the prestigious Silver Star medal:

Silver Star Citation: https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/204874

Through Melissa's words, we learn about Mike's strong courage as a Marine and the heavy cost he paid fighting for his country. His story reminds us of the debt we owe heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Henry Garcia spent over twenty years in the military, serving as a Motor Transportation Gunnery Sergeant from 1991 to 2013.

In this episode of Urban Valor, Garcia doesn't hold back, describing his savagery as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. Born in Tampa but moving frequently as an Air Force kid before settling in Sacramento, Garcia's Marine Corps career began after a fight with his father turned dangerous. 

Together with his three friends, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. 

Garcia details his first taste of combat - getting ambushed in Somalia in the 1990's. He also details his deployment for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the combat he faced in Afghanistan in 2012.

Table of Contents:
00:01 Introduction
16:13 First of Many
32:03 Keeping Promises
40:32 Retrograde Out 
58:22 Life as DI
1:20:35 Retirement 
1:36:22 Looking Back

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In this powerful video, former U.S. Marine Austin Hancock shares a chilling tale from his boot camp, experiences with drill instructors, and much more. As an Anti-Tank Assaultman who served from 2006 to 2010, Austin witnessed a shocking moment when a recruit attempted to take his own life by jumping out of a third-story window. What followed was a reaction from a Drill Instructor that left Austin stunned.

Austin's story delves into the intense and often brutal reality of Marine Corps boot camp, where recruits are physically and mentally pushed to their limits. He describes the Drill Instructors as "salty bastards" who have been through the most demanding challenges the Marines have, including combat deployments and earning prestigious awards like the Purple Heart.
Through his gripping narrative, Austin sheds light on the extreme pressure and psychological toll that recruits face during their training, which can sometimes lead to drastic actions like the one he witnessed. His account also highlights the complex and often controversial role of Drill Instructors, who mold raw recruits into battle-ready Marines.

As you watch this eye-opening video, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices that Marines like Austin endure during their service. His story is a testament to the resilience and fortitude required to make it through one of the world's most demanding military training programs.

Don't miss this incredible firsthand account from a Marine veteran who lived through the intensity of boot camp and emerged as a Lance Corporal. Subscribe to our channel for more powerful stories from those who have served, and join the conversation in the comments below.

Table of Contents:
00:01 Introduction
00:30 Early Life
06:03 Finding The Corps
22:04 School of Infantry
46:19 Finding a Place

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In the line of duty and at home, Staff Sergeant Devin Teeter's resilience has been put to the test time and again. Born and raised in Colorado, his passion for service was ignited by the iconic film "Top Gun." Enlisting as an Imagery Analysis Specialist, Devin's role was to gather intelligence and assist troops with accurate target acquisition, ensuring successful reconnaissance missions.

While the rewards of his job were immense, saving countless lives through precise intel, the psychological toll was immense. Watching imagery of troops falling victim to IEDs and other attacks was a harsh reality Devin had to confront.

Yet, the true test came when his wife gave birth to premature twins, their lives hanging in the balance. Devin opens up about the battles he faced, not on the frontlines but within the ranks of military leadership, fighting to be present for his family during their darkest hour.

Chapters:
00:20 Introduction
00:32 Early Life
19:30 Troops in Contact
23:51 Home Station Guilt
52:06 Growing Community

Prepare to be inspired by this Marine's unwavering strength as Devin Teeter shares his journey through adversity, both in service and as a father, reminding us that true valor extends far beyond the battlefield.

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This week’s Urban Valor episode features Navy SEAL veteran, Mike O’Dowd. Mike was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He was inspired to be a Navy SEAL after watching a documentary on the Discovery channel about them.  When the 9/11 attack occurred, Mike felt an even greater calling to go fight for America and enlisted into the Navy to become a Navy SEAL. 

In this episode, he talks about his combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan assigned to SEAL Team 7, doing covert operations to capture targets while they slept, and working with locals who were police allies by day and enemy by night. Mike leaves us with the hardship of lost brothers and the impact transitioning back into the civilian world had on his mental health.

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This week's episode of Urban Valor highlights Marine veteran Tyler Grogg, who hails from Worthington, Ohio. Inspired by pivotal moments like Desert Storm and 9/11, Tyler enlisted in the Marine Corps with a passion for service. Originally trained in communications, he found his calling as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, facing the threat of improvised explosive devices head-on in the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan.

Join us as Tyler shares the raw reality of his experiences, recounting harrowing encounters with fatal explosions that took the lives of his comrades. Through his firsthand perspective, we gain insight into the profound impact of combat and the sacrifices made by those on the front lines. Tyler also reflects on his journey transitioning out of the Marine Corps, shedding light on the enduring trauma and his ongoing efforts to heal and support fellow veterans.

Tune in as Tyler bravely opens up about his past, offering valuable lessons on resilience, recovery, and the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of war.

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On this week's Urban Valor, we meet Danny Rivera, a former Navy Chief Petty Officer with roots in East Los Angeles. Following in his families footsteps, Danny joined the Navy. He began his Naval Career as a Sonar Technician on the USS Cochrane (DDG-21), stationed at Pearl Harbor, where he honed his skills in sophisticated naval technology and tactics. Danny speaks on navigating storms, conflict, and warfare at sea.

Danny's transition from the life of the Navy to civilian existence was a struggle to his mental health. This is something all too familiar to many veterans who find themselves battling to adjust to life after their service. 

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Join us in this gripping episode of Urban Valor as we listen about the life of Paul Peng, an Army veteran with a remarkable story! Born in Taiwan and raised in Monterey Park, CA, Paul enlisted as an Army reservist military police officer in 2000, never anticipating active combat. However, the events of 9/11 altered his path, leading to two combat deployments in Iraq.

Paul recounts his intense experiences, from managing a prison camp amid riots and harrowing incidents among inmates to taking command of a facility once used as one of Saddam Hussein’s torture chambers. He shares the profound challenges of readjusting to civilian life after his tours, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the sacrifices made by those who serve.

Tune in to hear Paul's powerful journey and the lessons he carries with him today.

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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.

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