Urban Valor: the podcast - Recon Marines Endure Heavy Combat in Nauzad, Afghanistan

Recon Marines Endure Heavy Combat in Nauzad, Afghanistan

Explicit content warning

08/16/24 • 195 min

Urban Valor: the podcast

On today's episode of Urban Valor, we feature retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Kuperus, whose story takes us from the dairy farms of Newark, New York, to the intense battlefields of Afghanistan. Inspired by his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, Ryan chose to serve his country as a Marine, using the work ethic instilled in him since childhood.
Ryan details his experiences as a Reconnaissance Marine in Afghanistan. The relentless combat his recon platoon faced gives you a glimpse into the realities of modern warfare. Ryan brings to life the challenges, dangers, and split-second decisions that define combat operations.
The episode explores Ryan's progression to Force Reconnaissance and his role as an instructor, where he helped shape some of America's most elite warriors. It then explores his transition out of military service, a journey familiar to many veterans. He shares his current efforts to serve the veteran community, showing the ongoing commitment many former service members have to their fellow warriors!
Tune in for a powerful exploration of sacrifice, skill, and the spirit of service that defines many of our nation's veterans.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Ryan and/or us at Urban Valor.
🗣️ 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
00:35 Early Life
04:22 Boot Camp
09:32 Hitting the Fleet
19:18 9/11 Attacks
20:33 First Deployment
22:28 Invading Iraq
29:53 On to Okinawa
32:08 Break In Service
39:07 Road Bump
44:19 Back on the Ground
55:49 Power of the Javelin
1:07:49 Close to Home
2:08:38 Training Commandos
2:10:51 Turn & Burn
2:21:00 Hostage Rescue
2:26:48 The Ball
2:39:25 Red Lights
2:53:15 Becoming an Instructor
2:56:12 Court Marshall
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #martines #marineveteran

Previous Episode

Marine Veteran Uncovers Silent Struggles of Post-Service Life

On today's episode of Urban Valor, we interview Marine Veteran Matt Stack, who details his life from Miami, Florida, to Eden, North Carolina, and ultimately into the Marine Corps. Inspired by his sister's military career, Matt enlisted in hopes of becoming an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD). However, due to a recruiter's misinformation, his path led him to aviation ordnance instead.
Matt shares his perspective as an enlisted Marine during the 9/11 attacks on America, providing listeners with a firsthand account of this pivotal moment in history. He remembers his deployments to Guam and Kuwait, offering insights into the varied experiences of Marine Corps service.
The heart of this episode lies in Matt's perspective on the mental challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian society. Drawing from his personal experiences and the research behind his book Killing Chaos, Matt focuses on the often overlooked struggles that accompany post-service life.
This episode of Urban Valor offers an honest look at military service, the impact of global events on service members, and the ongoing battle many veterans face long after their official duties end. Tune in for a discussion on mental health and the crucial importance of understanding and supporting our veterans as they navigate life after service.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Matt and/or us at Urban Valor.
🗣️ 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
0:40 Early Life
08:14 Boot Camp
17:26 Learning the Trade
29:43 Desert Faith
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #martines #marineveteran

Next Episode

Amputee Soldier Recounts Fighting Al Qaeda in the Streets of Iraq

In this episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with retired Army Staff Sergeant Kyle Kelly, who has gone from a troubled childhood in Northeast Texas to the frontlines in Iraq.
Kyle shares his experiences as a Combat Engineer battling Al Qaeda in intense warfare. He remembers surviving a gunshot wound, barely escaping an RPG, and enduring a devastating blast that led to amputation.
Kyle opens up about his struggles transitioning to civilian life, including time spent in jail for aggravated assault while still on active duty. Despite these challenges, Kyle found a new purpose in serving his fellow veterans.
Watch now to learn how Kyle turned his experiences into a force for good, founding the non-profit organization Open Water.
👍 Remember to LIKE this video if you found it informative, enjoyable, or just to show your support to Kyle and/or us at Urban Valor.
🗣️ 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 take the share and tell their story, 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:
00:35 Early Life
11:23 Boot Camp
15:03 Airborne School
16:19 1st Cav
21:57 First Deployment
34:57 Sadness & Anger
36:54 Back to the Field
43:12 Greater Loss
44:23 Bradly Gunner
49:17 Turn & Burn
55:17 Counter Sniper
1:00:00 Invincible
1:15:00 Road to Recovery
1:18:22 Scars
1:24:03 Red, White & Blue
1:26:34 Crashing Down
1:30:24 Open Waters
#military #urbanvalor #warstories #usarmy #armyveteran