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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

This week's episode of Urban Valor shines a spotlight on Bryan Buckley, a Marine veteran with a remarkable story. Hailing from Doylestown, PA, Bryan's early years were dominated by football, a sport in which he excelled, securing two state championships. His path seemed set on football until the events of 9/11 shifted his focus dramatically. Motivated by a sense of duty, Bryan joined the Marine Corps as an officer, where he served in various capacities including the infantry, Force Recon, and...

Navy Diver Tommy McConnell's story, as featured in this week's episode of Urban Valor, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Growing up in Louisiana with a passion for swimming and was inspired by his grandfather's service as a Navy Vet. Tommy's career, filled with dedication and love for his job, takes a tragic turn with the onset of neurological symptoms leading to the discovery of brain damage. The mental struggle Tommy faces after his career ends abruptly is a reminder of the personal...

Join us on this week's episode of Urban Valor as listen to the story of Marine Sergeant Zach Snyder from Pennsylvania. Raised in a family of law enforcement officers, including his brothers and father, Zach found inspiration to serve his country.  Enlisting in the Marines in 2017 as an Amphibious Assault Crewmember, Zack Snyder shares insights into his deployment experiences, reflecting on the camaraderie forged within his unit and the challenges faced by service members and their families...

Watch this week's episode of Urban Valor for an incredible story featuring AJ Pasciuti, a retired Marine turned Scout Sniper. AJ's military journey took a dramatic turn in 2006 when he led a mission to take down "Juba," an enemy sniper in Iraq. This sniper had been using a stolen American sniper rifle to tragically target US forces.  AJ's team's mission was not just about neutralizing a threat but also about retrieving a piece of American military history taken from fallen Marines.

Join us this week on Urban Valor as we listen to Nick Velez, a Marine Veteran whose roots are deeply planted in the vibrant streets of East Los Angeles. From his early dreams of military service to becoming an esteemed infantry rifleman with the "Magnificent Bastards," 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, Nick's story is a testament to courage, brotherhood, and the sacrifice. Born and raised in East LA, Nick's passion for serving his country led him to the Devil Pups program, setting the stage for his...

In this week's episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with Mark Tyler, a retired Gunnery Sergeant from the Marine Corps, who shares his remarkable journey from his early days growing up in Las Vegas, after being born in Pennsylvania, to his extensive career in the military.  Initially joining the Marines as a military police officer with an eye on a future in law enforcement, Mark found his calling within the Corps and chose to dedicate his life to it. He recounts his deployment experiences,...

Join us on Urban Valor for an exclusive interview with Lepcis Vasquez, a former sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, who shares her compelling and harrowing journey from 2016 to 2021. Lepcis opens up about her life, detailing her experiences with remarkable courage and honesty. Get an in depth look at the realities of military service, the personal battles faced both in and out of uniform, and the resilience required to make it through adversity. Lepcis discusses her early life in San...

In this episode of Urban Valor, we dive into the extraordinary life of Navy veteran Luis Fonseca Jr., a man whose journey from the challenging streets of Fayetteville, NC, to the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Born into a military family, Luis’s early life was marked by the struggles of a military upbringing and the dangerous allure of drug trafficking, a path that led him to a pivotal crossroads following the tragic murder of a close friend during a...

Dive deep into the captivating and genuine narrative of Kevin Wilson, a distinguished Marine Corps veteran who embarked on an unforgettable journey from the peaceful streets of South Pasadena, California, to the intense and demanding life of a Marine. In this exclusive video, Kevin Wilson shares his raw and unfiltered experiences, shedding light on the life of a Marine, from the adrenaline-pumping training at MCRD San Diego to the emotionally charged moments of service and the aftermath of...

Once entangled in the dangerous gang life, Josue found a new path in the Marines. His journey through the rigors of boot camp, his struggle to adjust to military discipline, and his ultimate deployment to Afghanistan form the core of this powerful narrative. Experience the raw realities of the War in Afghanistan through Josue's eyes. From intense firefights to the camaraderie among brothers, his account offers a vivid glimpse into the life of a Marine serving overseas. However, this journey...

Join us in this compelling video where Jennifer Skinner, a former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, shares her remarkable story of resilience and growth. Born and raised in the rural outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jennifer's early life was filled with adventurous activities like doom buggy riding and cow tipping, typical of a Southern upbringing. This video delves deep into her transformation from a spirited tomboy to a dedicated Marine, facing and overcoming numerous challenges. Discover...

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army veteran Jason Grammer. Jason grew up in Brewer, Mississippi, fishing, hunting, and spending most of his time outdoors.  Jason was inspired to join the Army after watching a special on Operation Gothic Serpent, commonly referred to as “Black Hawk Down.” He enlisted into the infantry and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne. In this episode, Jason details the heavy combat he and his unit endured during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the invasion of Iraq in...

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, join us as we follow the journey of Army Staff Sergeant Mikael Cook, who hails from the sports-loving town of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  A former hockey player for Eastern Michigan University, Mikael shares his compelling story of transition from civilian life to the camaraderie and challenges of military service. In an emotional narrative, he recounts his deployment to Afghanistan in 2019, offering a firsthand account of the bonds formed with Afghan...

Discover the inspiring journey of Rich Reeves, a dedicated Marine veteran from the Riverdale Park public housing developments in Gloucester, Massachusetts, who transformed his life from facing the brutal realities of violence and poverty to achieving success in the world of boxing. Reeves shares his experiences of overcoming adversity, the rigorous training and discipline learned in the United States Marine Corps, and the critical life lessons that shaped his character in this candid...

This week's Urban Valor episode features Antoinette Naddour, the co-founder and executive director of the Veterans Legal Institute, as she shares her personal journey and the groundbreaking work her organization is doing to uplift military veterans through legal advocacy. From her family's immigrant roots to her deep-seated patriotism, Antoinette's story is one of passion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to veteran support. The Veterans Legal Institute stands out as a crucial...

Join us in this inspiring story with Gunnery Sergeant Leticia Garcia as she shares her remarkable journey in the Marines.  From the streets of Anaheim to the challenges of Sana City, her story is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of determination. In this video, Gunnery Sergeant Garcia opens up about her early life struggles, including her family's encounter with domestic issues and gang violence. She vividly recounts how these experiences shaped her upbringing and led to...

This week on Urban Valor,  we chat with Sergeant Major Alex Caro. Alex's journey began in Brooklyn, NY, where he overcame the challenges of gang-dominated streets and avoiding the gang lifestyle. His inspiration to join the Marines came from when he joined the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). In his military career, Alex started with an open contract, assigned to be a Inventory Management Specialist. He has served in critical deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, and as a...

In Today's episode of Urban Valor, we have Guest Army veteran Chris Cleland. Growing up in El Monte, California, Chris found himself in trouble, leading to an arrest for grand theft auto. But he turned his life around by joining the Army Infantry, a decision that took him on several deployments to Iraq. You'll get to hear first hand the challenges Chris and his unit faced, especially their encounters with IEDs. He shares his stories from Baghdad, one in particular, where Chris's unit was...

This weeks episode from Urban Valor features Robert Wood. Born in Bellflower, California, and raised in Buena Park, Robert's life was forever changed when his mother saw his bullet-riddled car on the news. Faced with a life-altering decision, Robert chose the path of Valor, enlisting in the Marine Corps over moving to Mexico or attending college out of state. His life in the military saw him become a skilled Radio Operator with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance, where he became good...