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.

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Video Chapters: 

00:00 - The Tragic Amphibious Assault Vehicle Incident
00:39 - Brandon Hagar's Rough Upbringing
03:25 - Struggles with Confidence and Social Anxiety
04:18 - A Life-Changing Decision: Fitness and Discipline
06:30 - Joining the Marine Corps Infantry
08:05 - Challenges in Boot Camp and Infantry
11:24 - Marine Corps Camaraderie and Early Impressions
14:04 - Command Structure Changes and Hazing Issues
20:32 - Stress and Lack of Accountability in the Marines
28:22 - Quarantine and COVID-19 Challenges
32:57 - Leadership Failures in the AAV Incident
39:03 - Deployment, Frustration, and Resentment
45:12 - Post-Marine Corps Struggles with Mental and Physical Health
48:00 - Finding Purpose: Helping Veterans as a Coach


#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine

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.

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Video Chapters: 

00:44 - Harry’s Military Career and Background
02:21 - Volunteering for Deployment to Afghanistan
07:41 - Reassigned to Company Intel Support Team
11:46 - Leadership and a Paradigm Shift
18:39 - Ambush and Survival Tactics
25:50 - Snider’s Brave Retrieval of Supplies
29:31 - Cultural Conflicts and Tensions with Afghan Soldiers
36:37 - Struggles with the Afghanistan War and AWOL
44:08 - Returning to Fight ISIS with His Sons
54:04 - The Battle of SAR and Humanitarian Crisis
1:04:36 - Seeking Air Support in the Fight Against ISIS
1:12:10 - Reflections on His Sons and Combat
1:18:58 - Focused Combat and Protecting His Sons
1:55:44 - Returning Home and the Struggles of Transition

#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine #usarmy

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.

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Video Chapters: 
00:55 Early Life
08:28 The Army
20:01 First Task Force
21:26 The Invasion
34:55 Becoming A Pig 
57:20 Ramadi & Back 
1:13:13 3rd ID 
2:01:47 Christmas in Ramadi 
2:34:53 Scars of Combat



#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine #nationalguard #usarmy

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.

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Video Chapters: 
05:13 Military Career and Bootcamp Experience 
10:05 Leadership and Brotherhood in Combat 
25:50 Combat Reflections and Emotional Impact 
50:27 Post-Service Life and Commitment to Service

#military #urbanvalor #warstories #marines #usmarine

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.

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#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usmarine #marines #marineveteran

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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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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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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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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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.

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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