Urban Valor: the podcast

Urban Valor
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  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Urban Valor, where we hear the stories of our veteran heroes in their own words. Within these vet interviews, you'll hear everything from combat stories, life stories pre/post military, military transition, and everything in between. Our interviews aren't just war stories or combat veteran interviews, but interviews from any military veteran willing to share. Our mission is to educate the masses with what military veterans go through while serving their country and how life has been since their military transition back to civilian life. Join our cause, online community, and show your support for Urban Valor at https://urbanvalor.com 

  1. 1d ago

    Air Force Officer Comes Face-to-Face With Taliban Trying to Abduct Army

    A U.S. Air Force officer comes face-to-face with armed Taliban fighters on a remote road in Afghanistan... and watches in disbelief as the senior officer beside him unlocks their armored vehicle and opens the door. What happens next is one of the wildest Afghanistan war stories we've heard. In today's Urban Valor Podcast, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Spargur shares his firsthand experiences surviving Taliban attacks, suicide bombings, and a terrifying attempted abduction while deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2013. From working in underground nuclear missile launch control centers to protecting satellites and the International Space Station, John's Air Force career was anything but ordinary. But nothing could have prepared him for the realities of the Afghanistan War. Assigned to NATO headquarters in Kabul, John unexpectedly found himself responsible for coordinating military base closures across Afghanistan, working with Afghan government officials, senior military leadership, and the CIA. And unlike many officers working at headquarters, John regularly traveled outside the wire through Taliban-threatened streets. During his deployment, John witnessed the horrifying aftermath of a suicide bombing, survived a grenade thrown in front of his vehicle, experienced attacks on Kabul's heavily fortified Green Zone, and came dangerously close to being pulled into Taliban captivity. But his biggest battle didn't end when he left Afghanistan. John opens up about the devastating personal struggles he faced before his deployment, the promise he made to his young son that he'd return home, and the years of PTSD symptoms, nightmares, and hypervigilance that followed his military service. He also shares how seeking help, writing about his experiences, and connecting with fellow veterans helped him begin to heal. This isn't just a story about combat, survival, and the War in Afghanistan. It's about fatherhood, leadership, loss, resilience, and what happens when the war follows you home. John is also the author of *Kabul Kill Zone: An Air Force Officer's Account of Leadership, Loss, and Survival*, where he shares more about his experiences. 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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 tell their stories 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. Chapters:  00:00 Taliban Attacks and a Terrifying Ambush 01:19 John Spargur's Childhood and Family 06:49 A Family History of Military Service 09:03 Joining Air Force ROTC 14:56 Becoming an Air Force Officer 17:35 Training for Nuclear Missile Operations 23:20 Witnessing the September 11 Attacks 25:50 Life Inside a Nuclear Missile Squadron 32:48 Inside NORAD and Cheyenne Mountain 34:59 Protecting the International Space Station 43:17 A Devastating Family Crisis 49:27 His Son's Life-Threatening Medical Emergency 53:27 Divorce, a Serious Car Accident, and New Orders 55:55 Preparing for Deployment to Afghanistan 58:41 Arriving in Kabul, Afghanistan 1:01:41 The Mission to Close 400 Military Bases 1:10:02 Unexpected Promotion and a Suicide Bombing 1:13:06 Witnessing the Aftermath of a Taliban Attack 1:20:06 The Constant Danger of Kabul's Streets 1:24:52 A Grenade Thrown at His Vehicle 1:27:32 Taliban Attack a Base After Its Handover 1:31:44 A Dangerous Mission After Multiple Attacks 1:34:28 Face-to-Face With Armed Taliban Fighters 1:39:47 The Door Opens: Fighting for Survival 1:43:02 The Desperate Escape 1:45:48 Ordered Back Into Danger 1:51:03 Working With the CIA in Afghanistan 1:58:26 The $39 Million Military Base Controversy 2:06:31 Taliban Attack Kabul's Green Zone 2:10:35 September 11: Gunfire Erupts Across Kabul 2:13:45 Leaving Afghanistan and Returning to His Son 2:16:43 Forced Out of the Air Force 2:22:00 Retirement and the Emotional Toll of War 2:23:21 PTSD, Nightmares, and Hypervigilance 2:25:35 Finding Healing Through Therapy and Writing 2:27:56 His Book and Family Today 2:30:11 Why Preserving Veterans' Stories Matters #AfghanistanWar #AirForceVeteran #urbanvalor

  2. Oct 19

    The Army Sent This Combat Engineer to Hunt IEDs Alone in Iraq for Two Weeks

    In this Urban Valor Podcast, former Army Sergeant First Class Vincent Morales shares his unbelievable journey from growing up around gang violence in Kansas City, Missouri, to fighting through some of the most dangerous experiences of the Iraq War, including the Battle of Mosul, the 2004 Mosul dining facility bombing, and devastating roadside IED explosions. Vincent opens up about losing fellow soldiers, surviving repeated combat blasts, struggling with severe physical and mental injuries, and the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life. After multiple deployments, his life spiraled into substance abuse, broken relationships, and a suicide attempt that nearly killed him. But that's not where his story ends. And THAT is what makes this interview so damn powerful. Vincent doesn't sugarcoat what combat did to him. He talks about the violence, the guilt, the anger, and the moments that still haunt him decades later. One of the most heartbreaking experiences came when an IED struck a vehicle carrying some of his closest brothers. Vincent rushed toward the burning wreckage, helped pull his friend from the vehicle, and stayed beside him as they fought to save his life. He also shares the devastating aftermath of the December 2004 Mosul chow hall bombing, the reality of repeated roadside bombs, and what happens when soldiers are forced to bury their emotions just to survive the next mission. And then there's the battle nobody prepared him for. Coming home. For Vincent, leaving the battlefield didn't mean leaving the war behind. Years of combat, traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, sleep deprivation, and unresolved grief followed him into everyday life. His marriage collapsed. His addiction worsened. And in May 2013, he attempted to take his own life. He survived. What happened next completely changed the direction of his life. Through recovery, fatherhood, community, and serving other veterans, Vincent began rediscovering his purpose. He eventually helped co-found Veterans Community Project, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans facing homelessness and housing instability through tiny-home communities and individualized support services. **Learn more about Veterans Community Project:** https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/ 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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 tell their stories 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. Chapters:  00:00 Intense Combat Stories & The Battle After War 01:22 Meet Army Veteran Vincent Morales 03:00 Growing Up in a Military Family 07:08 Running Away from an Abusive Home 09:01 Gang Violence in Kansas City 14:37 Arrests, a Police Chase & a Turning Point 19:03 Becoming a Father at 17 21:49 How 9/11 Changed Everything 24:05 Joining the Army with His Brother 25:21 Army Combat Engineer Basic Training 37:47 First Assignment at Fort Lewis 38:55 The Mentor Who Prepared Him for War 49:54 First Iraq Deployment & Stryker Patrols 52:51 The Reality of Combat Sets In 55:10 First Ambush in Iraq 59:48 The Battle of Mosul 1:04:12 The Deadly 2004 Mosul Chow Hall Bombing 1:08:01 Fighting Through Tal Afar 1:11:50 The IED Attack That Killed His Brothers 1:19:11 The Heartbreaking Military Memorial 1:26:34 Another IED Blast & Saving Martinez 1:38:43 Honoring a Fallen Brother's Family 1:46:31 Preparing for a Second Iraq Deployment 1:57:03 How Route Clearance Changed 2:02:08 Clearing an Al-Qaeda Compound 2:12:52 Recognizing the Man Combat Had Created 2:15:49 The Moment Prince's Purple Rain Broke Him 2:21:06 Combat Operations in Sadr City 2:27:36 A Deadly Mission & Extreme Heat Casualties 2:32:57 Physical Injuries and the Cost of War 2:37:02 Coming Home and Losing Everything 2:47:20 Addiction, Anger & Personal Collapse 2:50:15 Volunteering for a Third Deployment 2:51:51 Afghanistan and Training Afghan Soldiers 3:03:47 Coming Home to a Broken Life 3:06:12 Surviving a Suicide Attempt 3:09:37 Learning to Walk and Live Again 3:10:10 Finding Purpose Helping Veterans 3:13:20 Founding Veterans Community Project 3:16:44 Housing the First 13 Veterans 3:17:47 How Veteran Tiny Home Communities Work 3:20:38 Building Veteran Support Services 3:25:11 Expanding Veteran Housing Across America 3:30:53 Learning to Control His Anger 3:34:34 The Lasting Effects of Brain Injuries 3:36:22 Getting Help and Beginning to Heal 3:38:05 Exploring New Paths to Recovery 3:41:38 What Is an Army Sapper? 3:42:40 Vincent's Final Message of Hope #IraqWar #VeteranStories #CombatPTSD

  3. Oct 12

    Marine Describes Horrific Scene After Attack on Female Marines in Iraq!

    At just 18 years old, US Marine Corps veteran Manny De Anda witnessed the unimaginable during his deployment to Fallujah, Iraq. After a devastating explosion involving a 7-ton military truck carrying female Marines, Manny and his fellow Marines were among the first to arrive on scene. What he witnessed during that Iraq War deployment would stay with him for the rest of his life. In this episode of the Urban Valor Podcast, Manny shares his firsthand experiences serving as an 0311 infantry Marine during two deployments to Iraq, surviving the dangers of IED attacks, losing fellow Marines in combat, and struggling with the lasting psychological effects of war. But Manny's story goes FAR beyond the battlefield... Growing up in Orange County, California, as the son of Mexican immigrants, Manny wanted to make something of himself and give back to the country that gave his family opportunity. So, at just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. And he had absolutely no idea what he was walking into. From the chaos of Marine Corps boot camp to the brutal realities of combat in Iraq, Manny takes us through the experiences that shaped him, the Marines who changed his life, and the brothers he would never see again. One of the most difficult moments came when Manny responded to the aftermath of an explosion involving female Marines. He was only 18. He describes the destruction, the recovery of fallen service members, and the memories that still follow him today. And then there was December 21st. Just days before Christmas, another devastating IED attack killed Marines he'd served alongside since arriving at his unit. Imagine surviving one deployment, returning for another, and watching the people you trained with and cared about disappear one by one. It's hard to comprehend what that does to someone. But here's what makes Manny's story even more remarkable... When he returned home and eventually left the Marine Corps, his journey was FAR from over. He went to college, became a police officer, and encountered an entirely different kind of trauma while responding to emergencies, violence, and death in his own community. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to leave law enforcement. And then, in one of the most unexpected turns of his life, he moved to China to teach English. Yep. From combat in Iraq to teaching kindergarten in China. Quite the career change, huh? But it was there that Manny discovered something he'd been searching for since leaving the military. Purpose. Today, Manny works in higher education, helping veterans, adult learners, and students navigate their own paths forward. And through it all, the memory of the Marines he lost has never left him. Manny's willingness to share these experiences is a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of military service don't necessarily end when someone takes off the uniform. To Manny, thank you for trusting us with your story, brother. And thank you for your service. To everyone watching, if this story resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you're a veteran, reach out to a brother or sister you haven't spoken to in a while. That simple conversation might mean more than you realize. 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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 tell their stories 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. Chapters:  00:00 Marine Recalls the Horrors of Iraq 01:33 Growing Up in Orange County 10:06 Troubled Childhood and Finding Discipline 14:55 Why Manny Joined the Marine Corps 19:47 Marine Corps Boot Camp Stories 27:34 Preparing for War and Joining the Infantry 31:14 First Deployment to Fallujah, Iraq 33:50 Losing a Close Friend in Afghanistan 36:55 Responding to the Deadly Attack on Female Marines 41:38 The Emotional Aftermath of Combat 44:56 Preparing for a Second Iraq Deployment 49:32 Second Deployment Near the Syrian Border 53:05 Devastating IED Attack Before Christmas 55:57 Losing More Marines and Deployment Extension 1:00:02 Turning Down $40,000 for Another Deployment 1:01:26 Leaving the Marine Corps 1:03:10 Struggling to Adjust to College 1:08:49 From College Student to Police Recruit 1:13:55 The Reality of Working as a Police Officer 1:18:55 Leaving Law Enforcement Behind 1:21:30 Moving to China to Teach English 1:24:41 Finding Purpose Through Education 1:26:19 Losing a Fellow Marine to Addiction 1:29:33 The Importance of Checking on Veterans #MarineCorps #IraqWar #CombatVeteran

  4. Oct 5

    This Marine Flatlined Three Times After Being Burned Alive in Iraq!

    In today's Irban Valor Podcast, Octavio talks about combat in Iraq, repeated IED attacks, losing Marines in his unit, being engulfed in flames, the medevac and ICU experience, learning to walk again, adapting to life with severe burns and a hand amputation, and the impact his injuries had on his wife and children. Octavio also opens up about what happened after the uniform came off...struggling with alcohol and drugs, losing his sense of purpose, rebuilding his family life, returning to his faith, and eventually finding a new mission helping other veterans. Today, Octavio serves with Front Sight Military Outreach, where he helps veterans reconnect with faith, community, brotherhood, and purpose after military service. Chapters:  00:00 Marine Survives a Massive IED Attack 01:27 Growing Up in Fontana, California 03:03 Family Roots in Zacatecas, Mexico 04:25 Getting Pulled Into Gang Life 07:39 Expelled From High School 08:01 Getting Jumped Into a Gang 11:37 Sent to Mexico 13:57 Turning His Life Around 16:02 Dreaming About the Military 17:16 Meeting a Marine Corps Recruiter 19:44 Leaving for Marine Corps Boot Camp 24:14 Earning the Title Marine 26:00 Joining 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines 29:12 First Deployment to Okinawa 32:42 Training With Force Recon 33:34 Massive Fight Between Marines 37:24 Zodiac Training Off Australia 40:09 The Lesson He Never Forgot 44:32 Becoming a Marine Corps NCO 46:28 September 11th in Okinawa 49:02 Reenlisting in the Marines 50:25 Becoming a Marksmanship Instructor 55:21 Watching His Marines Go to War 58:08 Joining 1st Battalion, 5th Marines 1:01:46 Preparing for Iraq 1:03:56 Deploying to Ramadi, Iraq 1:07:54 IED Capital of Iraq 1:09:26 Running Quick Reaction Force Missions 1:12:18 The Reality of Combat 1:13:34 His First IED Explosion 1:17:34 Losing Marines in Ramadi 1:18:27 Looking for a Fight 1:20:20 Hunting for IEDs 1:23:54 June 16, 2005 1:25:20 The Mission That Changed Everything 1:28:44 The Roadside Bomb Explodes 1:29:09 Humvee Launched 40 Feet 1:30:39 Trapped Inside a Burning Vehicle 1:31:35 Escaping While on Fire 1:34:34 Medevac Under Fire 1:38:00 Fighting for His Life 1:39:57 Hallucinations in the ICU 1:45:24 Beginning the Recovery 1:46:50 Seeing His Daughter Again 1:48:49 Learning His Marines Had Died 1:50:22 Life Inside the Burn Center 1:53:52 How His Children Reacted 1:56:19 Becoming an Outpatient 1:58:29 Medical Retirement From the Marines 1:58:56 His Wife Never Left His Side 2:00:47 Life After the Marine Corps 2:02:18 Alcohol, Cocaine & Losing Direction 2:02:59 Finding Faith and Purpose 2:04:27 Finding His Veteran Brotherhood Again 2:06:17 The Struggle of Leaving the Military 2:07:42 Front Sight Military Outreach 2:09:13 Final Thoughts

  5. Sep 27

    Inside a Marine Tank Crew's Brutal Fight in Fallujah

    Marine veteran Alex Hernandez survived an RPG blast while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq — an attack that severely wounded his tank commander and left Alex covered in shrapnel and blood. In this episode, Alex tells the story of going from a kid in East LA with no clear direction to joining the United States Marine Corps after 9/11, becoming an M1 Abrams tank mechanic, deploying to Iraq, and finding himself in some of the most intense fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alex remembers watching the aftermath of the Blackwater contractor killings before Marines were suddenly ordered outside the wire. What followed was hours of combat in Fallujah. Then, on April 7, everything changed. While moving through the city in an M1 Abrams, Alex spotted armed fighters appearing with RPGs and AK-47s. Moments later, an RPG struck the tank commander’s hatch. His tank commander lost his right eye. Alex was hit by shrapnel and badly wounded in both hands. But surviving the battlefield was only the beginning. Alex also opens up about returning home, losing the career and identity he thought he would have, struggling with his mental health years after the war, seeking help, and eventually trying to rediscover a sense of purpose through service and teaching others. This is a story about war, brotherhood, injury, identity, and what happens when the fighting stops but the battle isn’t necessarily over. CHAPTERS: 00:00 — The RPG Attack in Fallujah 01:10 — Growing Up in East LA 06:16 — His Grandfather Inspires Him to Serve 07:33 — 9/11 Changes Everything 09:24 — Proving He Could Become a Marine 11:12 — Injured During Boot Camp 13:27 — The Marine Who Never Made It Home 16:54 — Becoming an M1 Abrams Tank Mechanic 19:07 — Arriving at 29 Palms 22:21 — Preparing for War 25:23 — Heading to Iraq 28:42 — First Incoming Fire 30:04 — Life Inside an Abrams Tank 36:45 — Blackwater Killings and Fallujah 38:09 — The Battle Begins 40:46 — 13 Hours of Combat 44:50 — April 7th 45:30 — Watching an RPG Fly Toward the Tank 47:04 — Drawing Fire Away From the Marines 48:59 — RPG Strikes the Tank 49:21 — “I’m Pissing Out Blood” 50:47 — Escaping the Burning Tank 51:31 — Surgery and Recovery 53:57 — Returning to the Fight 57:43 — His Wife Deploys to Iraq 58:30 — Coming Home 1:02:12 — Losing His Sense of Purpose 1:04:29 — Mental Health Begins to Collapse 1:06:33 — Calling the Crisis Line 1:07:58 — Finally Finding the Right Help 1:09:46 — Learning How to Move Forward 1:11:27 — Finding Purpose Again 1:12:14 — “Pick Your Head Up and Continue to March”

  6. Sep 20

    This Marine Still Has the Bullet That Almost Killed Him in Somalia

    Marine Staff Sergeant Tony Storey served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including combat deployments to Somalia and Iraq. At just 21 years old, he led Marines into Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, survived a bullet striking the sandbag beside his head, and later endured a monsoon that flooded his fighting position with human remains. In this episode, of Urban Valor, Tony shares what it was like entering Mogadishu, serving as an 0311 Rifleman, training Iraqi security forces, and carrying the memories of combat long after coming home.  👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ 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 tell their stories AND so you NEVER miss a weekly episode of our veteran stories. New stories every Sunday! Chapters:  00:00 Marine Still Has the Bullet That Almost Killed Him 01:15 Tony Storey — 21 Years in the Marine Corps 01:44 Childhood, Abandonment & Losing His Grandparents 06:56 Growing Up in the Shadow of His Marine Father 10:45 His Father’s Brutal Combat History in Vietnam 17:02 “He Was the Marine I Wanted to Be” 20:32 Deciding to Join the Marines 26:03 Arriving at Parris Island 31:08 The Recruit Named Batman 33:30 What Marine Boot Camp Taught Him About Himself 38:32 A Massive Recruit Brawl Breaks Out 45:59 Hurricane Hugo Changes His Graduation 49:14 The Moment He Finally Became a Marine 51:03 Early Marine Combat Training 58:20 Instructor Accidentally Shoots Two Marines 01:00:07 Marine Corps Security Forces 01:05:30 Suicide in the Barracks 01:16:06 Joining 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines 01:16:40 America Is Going Into Somalia 01:19:11 Preparing for Operation Restore Hope 01:21:00 First Wave Into Mogadishu 01:24:23 21 Years Old Leading Marines Into Somalia 01:27:36 They Were Digging Inside a Cemetery 01:30:35 The Bullet That Almost Killed Him 01:34:14 Entering Baidoa — “The City of Death” 01:34:43 The Monsoon That Flooded Their Fighting Holes 01:37:36 Human Remains Begin Floating Past Him 01:43:34 Christmas Day in Somalia 01:45:59 The Child Tony Couldn’t Save 01:51:28 Leaving Somalia 01:53:27 The Marine Who Stole a Lotus 02:00:40 Transitioning Back to Civilian Life 02:04:14 Recalled by Name and Sent to Iraq 02:05:43 Training Iraqi Security Forces 02:19:56 Working Alongside SEAL Team 10 02:28:00 Coming Home From Iraq 02:29:12 Fireworks, IED Memories & Combat Trauma 02:30:38 The Things Combat Veterans Can’t Explain 02:33:38 The Faces He Still Remembers 02:35:30 The Calls From Marines Who Are Struggling 02:37:03 “I Wouldn’t Trade a Damn Thing” 02:37:49 What Tony Lives for Today 02:40:45 Final Thoughts & Semper Fi

  7. Sep 14

    This Army Officer Says the Military Poisoned Her Kids Then Came After Her

    Army Major Mandy Feindt says Navy jet fuel contamination from the Red Hill water crisis poisoned her family — and when she spoke out, the military came after her. In this episode of Urban Valor, Mandy breaks down what happened after her family moved onto Ford Island in Hawaii, began getting severely sick, and later learned they had been exposed to contaminated water connected to the Red Hill fuel spill. She talks about her son’s health issues, more than 800 family medical appointments, confronting Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, filing for whistleblower protection, and the retaliation she says followed. Mandy also shares what happened years later when her son was mistreated at a military Child Development Center, the fight to obtain video and records, and why she believes military systems too often protect the institution before the family. This is a story about Red Hill, military toxic exposure, whistleblower retaliation, military families, institutional betrayal, and what happens when a career Army officer decides she can’t stay quiet. Mandy’s message: Take a mess and turn it into a message. If you or your family were impacted by Red Hill, military toxic exposure, or a similar situation while serving, share your story below. Subscribe to Urban Valor for more unfiltered veteran and military stories. Chapters: 0:00 Navy Jet Fuel Poisoned Our Family 1:29 Meet Army Major Mandy Feindt 2:43 Growing Up in a Military Family 4:00 How 9/11 Changed Her Life 6:17 Becoming an Army Officer 8:07 Afghanistan & Casualty Operations 12:48 Command, ROTC & Special Operations 16:25 Moving to Hawaii 18:50 The Dream House on Historic Ford Island 20:19 Her Family Suddenly Gets Sick 21:20 The Red Hill Fuel Spill 24:39 The Navy Said the Water Was Safe 27:54 Her Entire Family Ends Up in the Hospital 29:23 Fighting for Military Children 34:08 Speaking Out as an Active-Duty Officer 38:40 From Hospital Bed to Public Advocacy 41:06 Walking the Halls of Congress 42:45 When the Retaliation Escalated 44:55 Confronting the Secretary of the Navy 46:52 “Nothing in Life Is Pure” 48:31 Investigated After Confronting Navy Leadership 49:08 Filing for Whistleblower Protection 55:22 The Military's Flushing Operation 58:21 More Than 800 Medical Appointments 1:00:48 The Psychological Trauma of Contaminated Water 1:01:15 “An American Military Asset Poisoning Americans” 1:04:47 The Red Hill Lawsuit 1:06:51 Why Long-Term Medical Monitoring Matters 1:09:39 The VA Finally Recognizes Red Hill 1:11:20 “There's the Door” 1:12:39 Why She Refused to Stay Silent 1:14:46 Native Hawaiians & Military Families Unite 1:16:15 How Does This Happen in the U.S. Military? 1:20:26 Why Families Weren't Properly Tested 1:22:39 Institutional Betrayal 1:27:26 Trusting the Military Again 1:28:24 Her Son's Daycare Incident 1:30:00 Discovering the Abuse 1:34:34 The Army Promises to Handle It 1:37:08 The Same Teacher Comes Back 1:38:01 Fighting to Preserve the Evidence 1:41:48 The Military Says It Wasn't Abuse 1:44:03 Why the Secretary of the Army Wouldn't Meet Her 1:46:24 Parents Barred From the Hearing 1:47:16 The Video Evidence Disappears 1:49:39 What the Remaining Video Showed 1:51:28 Military Daycare Oversight 1:53:36 CPS Substantiates Child Abuse 1:56:30 The Teachers Returned to Work 1:59:02 The FOIA Records 2:00:18 “You Poisoned My Kids” 2:01:06 The Fight Is Still Ongoing 2:03:31 Retaliation Over Protecting Her Son 2:06:52 Why Speaking Up Comes With a Cost 2:07:12 Her Whistleblower Case Is Substantiated 2:09:43 Will Her Children Ever Serve? 2:12:36 The Military Recruiting Problem 2:14:14 What Military Families Need to Know 2:14:51 What's Next for Mandy 2:16:13 Turning a Mess Into a Message

  8. Sep 6

    Marine Sent to Replace Drivers Being Killed by IEDs in Iraq

    Marine veteran Peter Caro joined the U.S. Marine Corps expecting to become a mechanic. Instead, he was sent to Iraq as a Motor Transport operator during a time when IEDs were killing drivers across the battlefield. In this Urban Valor interview, Peter shares what it was like serving in Fallujah, driving dangerous roads in Iraq, surviving IED attacks, taking enemy fire, and dealing with the PTSD and survivor’s guilt that followed him home. Peter served in the Marines from 2004 to 2013 and completed multiple deployments to Iraq. During his service, he transported personnel and equipment, trained Iraqi police and military forces, and operated outside the wire in some of the most dangerous conditions of the Iraq War. He also opens up about the moments that stayed with him most — seeing Marines he knew listed as killed in action, watching a vehicle in front of him hit an IED, and struggling with the belief that other Marines deserved to come home more than he did. After leaving active duty, Peter began dealing with hypervigilance, panic attacks, isolation, drinking, and survivor’s guilt. His path to understanding PTSD eventually led him back to school, where he studied psychology and social work. Today, Peter works as a therapist helping other veterans navigate trauma, PTSD, depression, and the difficult transition from military to civilian life. Chapters:  00:00 Marine Boot Camp & Surviving an IED Attack 01:00 Peter Caro’s Marine Corps Story 01:50 Growing Up in a Mexican-American Family 06:34 Why Pete Wanted to Become a Marine 08:34 Watching 9/11 Change Everything 11:31 Feeling Lost Before Joining the Marines 13:44 Walking Into the Marine Recruiter’s Office 16:33 The Reality of Marine Corps Boot Camp 18:32 Choosing to Push Through 19:01 A Recruit Tries to Escape Boot Camp 23:39 The Reality of the Boot Camp Bathroom 25:13 Pete’s Infamous Boot Camp Story 27:00 Marine Corps Graduation & His Father’s Reaction 31:51 Returning Home After Boot Camp 32:59 Getting in Trouble on Recruiting Duty 36:00 The Marine Corps Job He Didn’t Expect 37:30 Joining 9th Communication Battalion 40:02 When Pete’s Roommate Went UA 43:55 Preparing to Deploy to Iraq 45:31 “Dude, You’re Going to Die” 47:00 Training for His First Iraq Deployment 48:47 Accidentally Taking Night Vision Goggles Home 51:58 Deploying to Fallujah, Iraq 53:07 Training Marines & Iraqi Security Forces 54:04 Carrying Iraqi Money Into a Combat Zone 55:53 His First Experience Taking Enemy Fire 56:41 Tracer Fire Over a Marine Convoy 59:24 Becoming Desensitized to Combat 1:00:50 Seeing Marines He Knew on the KIA Wall 1:03:19 The Beginning of Survivor’s Guilt 1:04:28 Secretly Getting Married Before Deployment 1:08:55 Training Iraqi Police & Army 1:10:25 Ambushed During a Convoy Mission 1:15:43 Coming Home From Iraq 1:18:35 Pete’s Second Iraq Deployment 1:20:29 The “Code Brown” Convoy Story 1:24:32 Incoming Fire Nearly Kills Pete 1:28:12 The Mission That Changed Everything 1:31:24 The Truck in Front of Him Hits an IED 1:32:49 Thinking His Marines Were Dead 1:35:00 Guilt After the IED Explosion 1:36:45 Why Pete Decided to Leave Active Duty 1:40:48 Life in the Marine Corps Reserve 1:43:43 Being Reenlisted by R. Lee Ermey 1:45:21 Returning to College After the Marines 1:46:50 “I Hate the Fact That I Came Back Alive” 1:48:46 How Combat Changed Him at Home 1:50:54 Drinking, Isolation & Emotional Numbness 1:51:32 Learning About PTSD in Psychology Class 1:54:50 Refusing to Accept He Had PTSD 1:56:11 The Panic Attack That Changed Everything 1:57:44 His First Experience Seeking Help 1:58:53 The Vietnam Veteran Who Changed His Life 1:59:56 Finding a New Mission Through Social Work 2:00:49 Becoming a Therapist for Veterans 2:02:08 Why Transitioning Out Can Be So Difficult 2:03:18 Why Pete Almost Didn’t Tell His Story 2:05:54 What He Would Tell His Younger Self 2:06:43 “You Are Enough”

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4.9
out of 5
168 Ratings

About

Welcome to Urban Valor, where we hear the stories of our veteran heroes in their own words. Within these vet interviews, you'll hear everything from combat stories, life stories pre/post military, military transition, and everything in between. Our interviews aren't just war stories or combat veteran interviews, but interviews from any military veteran willing to share. Our mission is to educate the masses with what military veterans go through while serving their country and how life has been since their military transition back to civilian life. Join our cause, online community, and show your support for Urban Valor at https://urbanvalor.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Urban Valor
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    256
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sport of Business, LLC
  • Show Website
    Urban Valor: the podcast

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