Soldier Tasked with Pulling Mangled Bodies Out of Truck in Afghanistan
In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran Denny Giamazzo, who was raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Denny faced unspeakable abuse—abandoned by his drug-addicted mother, burned with cigarettes, and left alone for days as a young child. After entering foster care, he found brief moments of hope, but the scars of his past never left him.Denny opens up about nearly dying during Army basic training after a routine wisdom tooth extraction went horribly wrong, landing him in the ICU. He later deployed to Afghanistan, where he was forced to pull mangled bodies from trucks and survive gunfire in exposed overwatch positions. Now a mental health advocate, Denny speaks candidly about his struggle with PTSD, self harm thoughts, and how he's working to rebuild his life through veteran brotherhood and mentorship.👍 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.Video Chapters: 00:00 – Haunting memories from Afghanistan00:40 – Early life: Abuse, neglect, and abandonment01:45 – Placed in foster care and finding hope03:30 – Adopted by aunt, strong sibling bond06:00 – Struggles with masculinity, fatherlessness13:00 – Joining the Army after college dropout19:00 – Nearly dies from wisdom tooth extraction24:30 – Deployed to Afghanistan: Real combat begins28:45 – Ambushed in overwatch position36:00 – Sniper takes out enemy after close call44:00 – PTSD, trauma from seeing mangled bodies48:30 – Suicidal thoughts, VA crisis call52:00 – Struggles in marriage and emotional volatility55:00 – Healing through therapy and The Forge1:03:00 – Veteran support and personal growth1:05:30 – Helping other veterans#military #warstories #urbanvalor #usarmy #veteranmentalhealth #army
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1:06:42
Army Officer Survives Afghanistan But Fights New War at Home
Army veteran George Hayworth faced war in Afghanistan—but his toughest battle came after returning home. In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with George, a former U.S. Army Artillery Officer, who opens up about his life before, during, and after combat. From his service with the 101st Airborne Division to struggling with identity, addiction, and nearly losing his marriage, George shares how the trauma of combat followed him into civilian life—and what it took to reclaim his family and rebuild himself from the inside out.If you're searching for real stories about mental health, veteran struggles, addiction recovery, or military life beyond the battlefield, this is an episode you can’t miss. George’s transparency will resonate with anyone who has fought silent battles in the shadows.👍 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.Video Chapters: 00:00 – Caught in Combat Without Optics 00:31 – George's Early Life & Family Challenges 02:08 – Parental Separation & Emotional Burden 06:22 – Experiencing 9/11 as a Teen 12:02 – Joining ROTC & Military Career Begins 17:22 – Adrenaline, Ego, and Jumping from Planes 22:44 – Field Artillery Training and Deployment 30:48 – Failing Ranger School & Learning Humility 36:12 – Assigned to Afghan Advisory Team 44:56 – Leadership Lessons & Team Bonding 49:59 – Operation Strong Eagle 5 Near Pakistan 55:19 – Responsibility, Near Misses & Moral Weight 58:21 – Transitioning Home and Identity Crisis 1:03:54 – Marriage Breakdown & Emotional Spiral 1:06:22 – On-Site Therapy & Owning the Truth 1:09:35 – Addiction, Confession & Redemption 1:17:31 – Reconnecting with Faith & Purpose 1:23:34 – Emotional Regulation & Family Safety 1:26:07 – Brotherhood vs. Drinking Buddies 1:31:52 – Breaking Generational Cycles 1:35:02 – Message to Men: Start Your Healing #military #warstories #urbanvalor #usarmy #veteranmentalhealth
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1:38:18
Marine’s Dreams Crushed After Passing Sniper & MARSOC Tests
This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Marine Rob Martinez, whose unbelievable story of perseverance through Scout Sniper and MARSOC selection is inspiring and heartbreaking. Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Rob enlisted in the Marine Corps after a rough start in life. Originally signed up as a Motor Transport Mechanic, Rob’s ambition never stopped. While stationed in Kuwait, he qualified for Scout Sniper Indoctrination. Later, he passed all phases of the elite Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Assessment & Selection—only to be denied selection without explanation.In this interview, Rob opens up about the emotional toll of being passed over after pushing his body and mind to the limit. He also discusses his journey through divorce, injury, and transition to civilian life. Today, Rob dedicates himself to helping fellow service members through his nonprofit, All Clear Gear.👍 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.Video Chapters: 00:00 – Rob’s Emotional Childhood & Troubled Start 02:38 – First Encounter with the Law 10:07 – Getting Kicked Out & Moving to Florida 20:13 – Misled Into Mechanic Role in the Marines 35:17 – A Life-Changing Piece of Advice 41:57 – Denied After Scout Sniper Success 45:30 – Vision Loss and Medical Setback 51:58 – Pushing Through MARSOC Selection 58:36 – Deployment & Injuries 1:04:45 – Altercation & Consequences 1:07:37 – Choosing MARSOC Over Soccer 1:13:52 – Surviving the Pool During ANS 1:23:46 – Feeling Left Behind Without Guidance 1:30:24 – Divorce & Taking Responsibility for a Child 1:37:16 – Losing 18 Friends After Service 1:44:06 – Founding All Clear Gear to Support Marines 1:50:55 – You're Not Alone#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines
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1:51:43
Royal Marine Ambushed, Blown Up, & Nearly Kidnapped By Al Qaeda
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.👍 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.Video Chapters: 00:00 - Ambushed on Patrol04:09 - Growing Up in Swansea07:21 - Early Interest in the Military10:59 - Choosing the Royal Marines14:15 - Passing Commando Selection18:15 - Brutality of Marine Training21:30 - Lessons from Early Marine Life28:25 - Graduation Day & First Posting35:12 - Surviving Arctic Warfare Training38:24 - Deployment to Iraq Begins42:21 - Forming a New Special Forces Unit46:02 - First Missions in Baghdad50:04 - Friendly Fire & Chaos of War53:26 - The Reality of Combat Loss57:24 - Nighttime Snatch Attempt by Al Qaeda1:00:42 - Saved by a US Convoy1:07:37 - Hostage Rescue Training1:11:54 - Helmand Surge Deployment1:15:27 - On the Ground in Afghanistan1:23:02 - “Fix Bayonets” in Live Combat1:26:23 - Jungle Warfare Instructor Course in Brunei1:30:39 - Blown Up by IED in Yak Chal1:34:15 - Continuing the Mission Despite Trauma1:38:17 - Final Stand in the Village of Fad1:46:11 - Training Replacements for Afghanistan1:49:49 - Medical Discharge and the Fallout1:57:45 - Losing Purpose After Leaving Service2:05:54 - Struggles with Alcohol & Isolation2:09:22 - Why Simplicity in Combat is Missed2:13:33 - PTSD vs. Lack of Purpose2:16:51 - Undercover as a Homeless Veteran2:20:45 - Smuggling Into the UK as a Migrant2:24:12 - Rebuilding Life & Staying Sober#military #warstories #urbanvalor #royalmarinecommando #royalmarines
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2:26:23
Marines Face Brutal Combat in Iraq's Bloodiest Warzones
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.👍 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.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
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
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