Recon Marines Endure Heavy Combat in Nauzad, Afghanistan
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- 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.
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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
Holy fuck , i know Ryan. I met him on Derna Bridge.
He gave us three basic rules:
1. Look Cool
2. dont get lost
3. If u get lost , look cool while being lost.
🤣🤣🤣I feel like i taught you more than that!! But its a solid start!!!!!
@Huntingcarolinas there you are !! How u been ?
Solid advice lol
@@Huntingcarolinasu are one rad dude!!! Man I stumbled on you today and laughed cried rememberd shared🤘🏼🙏🏼you remind me soo much of my big (and most favorite of three🤣) brother. He passed when 5 days before I gave birth. Such a solid(crazy mf) man like yourself !!Thank you for sharing🥰
The first and most important rules of recondos
There's so few Recon Marines, it's mega rare to hear their stories. A big hell yeah for interviewing Ryan.
Theirs a lot of recon marines lol I have a couple friends that are recon lol
That’s the difference between these guys, and attention seeking seals.
I met a recon at a coffee shop in south east Texas, bro was super humble and professional
They are all over. You just don't see them.
@@CarmenClary There's less than 1/4 active Recon Marines than there are SEALs. So no, Recon Marines aren't all over.
I don’t think I’ve ever been as glued to an interview covering any topic, ever… So much so, that I started this on my phone, drove to get dinner for my family and I with it on, put them to sleep and resumed on the couch. This warfighter is so genuine and real; Authenticity NEVER seen these days. He’s a HUMAN, he’s rough around the edges, he’s honest, his memory and ability to recollect details that on Marines would know is absolutely amazing.
This felt like I was shooting the shit with my favorite old Master Sergeant. Thank you so much for recording this, and thank you for taking the time to sit in front of a camera and talk at length. He nailed the “senior leadership” (whatever the fuck that means) on the head 80 different ways. It’s a crying shame but the Marine Corps used to be filled with stellar Marines just like this man here, but those days are long gone and won’t return until we get our dick put into the dirt in a way that forcibly reminds us as to why studs like him and his boys are mandatory.
S/F
Thanks for watching brother and for your words 🤙🏼🇺🇸🤜🏼🤛🏼
@@ZaboombaFOO thank you brother!
👍👍
Riveting. I got news for you, the awards system has been broken since Vietnam. Officers get the “Stars” and the peons get the NavComs and NAMs. Also, careerism has always been around but back in the day (60s and 70s) your SNCOs generally looked out for their men and took “corrective action” out behind the barracks instead of in front of an officer. But no more. I saw my grandson get promoted to Sgt and then less than a month later get thrown in the brig because some asshole didn’t do his job. He’s released a month later with “opps sorry, no charges but we’re gonna bust back to corporal. Have a nice day. “. Needless to say he didn’t re-enlist. I got other stories.
Great interview Ryan. All the best with your business. It looks like a great program.
Semper Fi.
@ thank u!!!
I remember you Ryan! I'm happy to see that you're sharing your story and pressing forward. I met John Hayes (R.I.P.) in Kosovo - thank you for my reminder today. Trauma is insidious, and it's our mission to take care of ourselves!
I work an assembly line for GM for 29 years now. A decade ago hard copy books went to audio books, audio books went to youtube. Im telling you, out of the 356 history books i bought & own & paid for through amazon audible, this guy'a story is better than 99% of the books i have listened to, most if not all being history & conflict. Hearing this one was exciting & he left it in the language we can all understand, something editors & publishers dont do when publishing a book. This guy & his story are kick ass real. 🇺🇲 Stories like this make the boring day on the assembly line for by fast. Heck the years go by fast.
Here's my problem that I would definitely hammer home during debriefing. He called incoming fire a MLRS after walking in a minefield FOR THE 2ND TIME. You know he's never punched anyone because that's Game Over, Do Not Pass Go, No Lat move for you. The fact that he doesn't know where he is AGAIN means some junior lieutenant really wants him gone from Division. And I would be surprised if the desk Jockey in question is the same prick ROTC punk from Indoc. This guy's the kind of dude to tear up the rec room if they don't have free weights. So he hits the water bag using a trash bag and comes back shredded. The only way to bulk up is eating good chow on ship far far away from the AO. Dude should make a fine DI punking raw recruits because they don't know he's actually on his last chance
Kup is as genuine as it gets. He is a great friend and true patriot
Thanks brother! ABY!
He truly is! I met Koup in april when i went to a TAD opportunity with marine raider training centre ITC class
Hard core… men like him should be running our military and running our country
He does seem to be running a non-profit for mental health healing for Vets, and First Responders. 10/10 just went through some of their videos and the greatness doesn't seem to stop.
Na man - he’s the type of dude that wants to be out in the field and not behind a keyboard
Jocko and Eric Prince should be running this country
Well, looks like we're going to have a draft-dodger running the country soon. No fucking idea why people worship that insecure egomaniac.
@@BostonsF1nestmight wanna touch up on the controversy surrounding jocko before you claim that. Not a hater i love jocko. But - to your point, the allegations against him, would disqualify him from running America.
If I could have a beer with any of your guests, it'd be this guy
It's gonna turn into 14 beers
@@ItsMeUrDaadgod I hope so
Forsure
A beer out of all things
This is the kinda dude you want on your team.
your freakin' team
This is one of those episodes that will get a re-listen from me. Top tier work gentlemen. For all the cool sh*t and high speed training, there's no replacement for a leader that stays out ahead of his dudes not just academically, but in pure hardness. Ryan stood on his grand-dads shoulders and but our country on his back. Semper Fi Gunny. You're a real one.
Thank you!!
A 3 hour video… and I was glued. I have never watched an interview this long, and loved it
Appreciate you watching 🤙🏼
This is my good friends Son and I’ve heard a few stories from his Dad I have deep respect for this young man man and the sacrifices he’s made
@@andyhowell8049 thanks Andy!!
This dude needs a movie about that first deployment. Thank you for your service, you're a badass and a patriot🫡
Appreciate it 🤙🏼
I could listen to this guy all day. His friends and family are lucky to have a guy like this around.
I could sit around a fire…drinking beverages of choose…and listen to this guy tell stories till the sun comes up! Great interview gentleman! I’ve saved and will be watching again! 🇺🇸
Thank you for your service, Devil Dog!
I lived in Newark, NY, from '89-'96, after I got out of the Corps and married a woman from that area. Lived on Short Road, about a mile south of the canal. I used to mountain bike on the trails along the north side of the canal, and hiked the trails in the winter. I loved my time in Newark.
Hell yes dude tells it like it is and actually gives a dam about his fellow soldiers! Thank you for your service and welcome home! These are the type of men we need more of! Cheers from the Heart of Dixie
Wonderful interview.
I was S-2 Scout 1/9 3rdMarDiv in 1973, got to Camp Lejeune in 1974 and went thru RIP June 1974, got my 0321 and spent 2.5 yrs with 3rd Plt A Co. 2nd Recon Bn. Onslow Beach. Spent my last summer (1976) as Asst Instructor at ARS, Little Cr. VA. 50 yrs later still proud of my time as a Recon Marine.
Can't say I've ever met a civilian who I could trust with my life as I did my team mates, civilians don't understand the level of trust required from a buddy swimmer or team mate at 3am in rough seas during sub ops or helocasting. etc. And at the same time, I also encountered officers and SNCO's unfit to lead a troop of Cub Scouts, they only get people killed.
Always Beside You!!
As someone who has never been in the military the end of this was sad to hear. You shouldn’t have to worry about a flawed system after doing what you and so many others have done for this country. Thank you for your service and for your story.
Hell the rest of us have to deal with it too after a lifetime of working and paying into the system then God forbid you get a health issue and try to get the social security you paid into your whole life and you have to fight years, lose everything and then maybe by the grace of God you finally get approved for an income that a teenager couldn't survive on and insurance that doesn't want to cover any of the medical procedures you need. I'm dealing with it right now.
Those who served, thank you for your service! Listening to your stories left me at a complete loss of words. I wish I could think of something better to say, I can't. I will say I'm going through tough times for me right now but after listening to your storys I feel inspired or motivated or something. Thank you.
Wow, that was an amazing story. I didn't think I was going to watch this whole video in one sitting but I couldn't stop listening. Amazing story!
This is the most hardcore MF and so humble and hard working. Thank you for your service 🫡
Damn, gunnys got an absolute candy stack of awards… Absolute warrior. Thank you for sharing brother. SF 🤙🏻
Appreciate you watching 🤙🏼
My favorite interview to date
Man, these are the kind of stories that i wish more vets with heavy combat experience would share with the world. Awesome story teller also.
I was a stones throw away as he was a kid just outside of Rochester, Brockport/Hamlin. Beautiful country and good hearted people. This solder could teach a few things to this lost generating, a day in his reality would show then just what the world is really about! Hats off to all that have and do serve! Thank you for your service and sacrifice!!
I could listen to this guy talk forever, something about his cadence and speech is just great. Thank you for your service sir🙌🏻🙏🏻
This is maybe the best/most interesting interview I've ever seen by a marine... GREAT story teller, made me laugh constantly. Would wait in line to buy this guy a few beers.
Watched the whole interview of Ryan ,what a caracter😂😅.
One of my favourite interviews ,he is a real one💪
🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼💯
@@Rugby_Revolution01 thank you!!!
@@HuntingcarolinasI live in the upstate of SC. What part of the Carolinas do you shoot your videos?
@@davidhansen6788 calabash area, longs, loris, Wilmington… most of SE NC, NE SC
This the dude when they say theres always someone out there badder than you. Hes the definition of that.
This interview was excellent! I was not sure if I would watch the whole thing, but Ryan’s personality is absolutely cool! He’s also a very good storyteller as well. Thank you for your service Ryan! 🇺🇸
Thank You!!
I’ve listened to almost all these I need more multi hour videos of these guys talking about their experiences best way for me to spend my time at work
Appreciate you watching
I too was in Nawzad in 09. PB Fleming, PB Brannon, PB Mansion. We were trackers attached to 1/5 in theater, back in garrison y’all’s barracks were directly beside ours in CHB. If you remember a dude named O’Neill, that was my boy, hope he’s doing well, and glad to see you are man. Semper Fi.
@@nofundsgaming251 James Oneal?????
@@Huntingcarolinas ever find out if it was James? Lol
Finally a good one that talks about some combat congrats. Thanks for your service sir!!!
Much appreciated🤙🏼
This guys attitude is Amazing. True beast with a hilarious, light, and manly take on a plethora of traumatic times.
Amazing , when your leaving and the theater and a new unit avoids your information on were to and not to go and they do listen. I was told “ oh, we learned everything we needed to know from the USA”.
Thank for your service sir. You and your brothers did us proud and all of us citizens owe you a great debt. God bless you buddy
Thank you!
Nowzad in 2011 with 3/2. Wounded in Salaam Bazaar July 3, 2011. Thanks for sharing your story. Plenty of nights spent at Fob Nowzad and Dehana
These story’s are addicting , I watch this while drinking my prework out then I never work out watching this lol
My prework out drink is my own saliva and sweat as I'm working out.
@@jasonrogers8754 hardcore parkour
Mine is jam, but there's always someone worse.
@@swenic I always thought toxic relationships were the best preworkout hahaha
@@jasonrogers8754try jiu jitsu. Then you’ll get other dude’s sweat for some additional electrolytes #nohomo
That was a good interview
He is a true warrior
This guy is a legend. My hat is off to you sir.
4 times in boot camp, I got my chow, and when my ass hit the seat, my Kill Hat screamed, "YOU'RE DONE!" An I just got up, threw the food in the trash, and hot back in formation, hungry.
Oorrrraahhh!!!!!
this guy is immensely entertaining
The part towards the end regarding non-judicial punishment (njp) and court marshal is so important. For any young dudes currently serving or people who plan to join the military, never let your command lie and bully you into accepting an NJP or article 15 (lingo dependent on branch).
It happened to me when I was a naive 18 year old lcpl, and I later learned that if I had requested court marshal, they would’ve dropped it before proceeding or immediately thrown the case. I later preached this to my junior Marines throughout my career and prevented several dudes from getting reamed by the system.
While it’s a completely flawed system and everyone knows it, it still exists and continues to be abused by poor leadership. Refuse to speak with legal or anyone else after they read your rights until you can seek mentorship from those you can trust (who know what they’re talking about) or legal counsel. I’ve seen spectacular careers abruptly ended in shameful ways and it’s a parasite within our armed services. Look out for your dudes and be the guy that everyone’s willing to go to bat for. I’m glad things worked out for you in the end man!
If you are reading this plz recommend any other interviews (any channel) that are like this. Actual combat stories non stop. Great pod! Thanks
Look up John Stryker Meyer. He was MACV-SOG in Vietnam and has some hairy stories. He also did some podcasts where he interviewed other guys who were in ‘nam. Jocko Podcast interviewed him a few times and they’re all great and the ones where John interviews other guys is called SOGcast.
Thank also will check out. 👍
@@GunSperg thanks
Brent0331 just posted one
If you look for good story tellers or interviews without annoying interruptions, you can check out American Veterans Center, Shawn Ryan Show, The Vietnam Experience, War Stories, Soft White Underbelly.
This guy has really lived a life.Amazing stuff.
Helluva communications breakdown. Excellent service, thank you. Awesome channel
Listening to these videos always makes me realize the things I need to value more and the things I need to distance myself from
Love this channel and love these warriors. HEART BREAKERS AND LIFE TAKERS. ❤ They are all heroes. Much love from South Africa ❤
Appreciate it 🤙🏼
Never heard of this guy before, but that was an amazing video. I'm constantly impressed with the caliber of men we have or have had in the American armed forces... true warriors.
Thank you for defending our country for giving me the opportunity to live freely safe from terror I greatly appreciate all that made the sacrifices an decisions to join any branch of the United States military I hole heartily love an respect you men an woman no matter what 💯
Thank you for sharing this story - we are forever Blessed that people like you exist in our country 🇺🇸.
Appreciate it 🤙🏼
My dad had a scorpion incident in the Solomon Islands. It was in his trousers when he was awakened by a Japanese air raid at 0:30 hrs. It stung him three times crawling up his leg before dad crushed it with his hand through his trousers
😱
This is incredible! His energy is unreal. I haven’t watched listened in awhile since I got let go of my job last May. Hope I can help Vets in the future. 15 years at Apple. Post Vietnam Navy. Next life I would be a Marine lol!
Appreciate you watching 🤙🏼
I was in Nauzad a few times in 09. Place was slam full of IEDs. My platoon lived at Deleram attached to 2/3. They were some hard chargers that definitely took a lot of casualties from hmmwvs hitting IEDs. I was 1st CEB combat engineers.
There and back we hit 14 IEDs in 2010, and we were rolling with route clearance.
@@StepLucch I was in a route clearance platoon. My first trip there took almost three days between finding and hitting all the IEDs. It was only like 15 miles lol.
@@DennyBass Craziest part is I almost miss it. You just never feel 110% alive like you do there
@@StepLucch🫡
I was with 2/3 in nowzad. I was one of the engineers from CAB in Okie that were attached to golf company.
defiantly needs his own podcast, if he doesn't already have one.
Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice! Great video!
That was a great freakin’ interview
My cousin is a 3rd battalion reconnaissance. Heavy heavy stuff. RIP ALEX ROMERO!
🫡👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼
Love hearing from the Recon guys bring some more on!
You’re such a GREAT story teller. Thank you for taking us along with you and your service!
Get some brother, great story, Ryan is a phenomenal Marine, and extremely knowledgeable human being!
Thanks for saving all those man ❤
I’ll never know the extent of your sacrifice but I served on USS KITTYHAWK. Isay thank you for sharing a small part of your journey. The passion for your men and the way way you lead under pressure is very inspiring. Thank you and God Bless. 🫡🇺🇸
Thank you 🙏🏼
This is my favorite video on your channel. Amazing story!
Much RESPECT! Loved listening to this Marine ..
This is hands down one of the best Urban Valor episodes I have ever seen
SgtMaj. Joe Ellis was buried at Arlington National Cemetary in February 2007. SgtMaj of 2/4 and Force Recon man. Several Brothers from 6th platoon 1st Force Reconnaissance Company were there. Also in attendance was the in coming and out going Sgt's Major of the Marine Corps. After the funeral and the family left, I attempted to question them about the circumstances leading up to the equivalent of Joe saving his entire battalion HQ's by tackling a suicide bomber somewhere in Iraq. I was quickly whisked away by a retired Brigadier General and former Captain/Congressional Aide I'd trained and worked with years before. They chilled me out. This Brotherhood in this line of work is eternal. Thank you for your candor and details. SEMPER FIDELIS...
I like story telling, good, bad, scary, ugly and everything in between. I have listened to many people's experiences. I am amazed at the human spirit and endurance. All the crap he had to go through, unbelievable. I also don't trust anyone, never have and never will. Too many people have been betrayed by people they thought they knew. Nobody ever really knows anyone, people will only show you what they want you to believe.
My family owns a dairy farm in union springs. I know Newark Crazy story. Great interview
@@nickradner5325 i do miss the farm some days!
Needs to write a book. Stories are epic. Thank you
Great interview. Super awesome dude. Thank you for your service bro
I remember the company command that Kup mentioned. Following that deployment the entire company command from SSgt on up got relieved
I love this guy this man is how stuff should be done my grandpa was in Korean War and he is 96 years old and the VA still treat him like shit it’s sad we just talked about it today for Christmas Eve and I tell him every time grandpa your family and your country are thankful for what you did no matter how some might treat you now you fought for your country and you help save the United States and protected your men and still to this day he cries about things that happened
I was watching this while trying to go to sleep....didnt go to sleep. Got glued
What a life story! You are a warrior and a hero! Thank you for sharing Ryan!
Appreciate you watching 🤙🏼
Great interview! Thanks for sharing these stories
I could sit here all day listening to this man. I can literally see everything he is explaining he did and I love that he is still able to find joy in the things he had to do. Better than tv any day. Love these stories. Thank you for your service. ❤
thank you for this.
Appreciate you watching 🤙🏼
Phenomenal episode. This is my new workout podcast.
Ryan your story and your ability to deliver is so riveting
U R a great marine
Thank u for your service sir🇺🇸
Appreciate your support 🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼
Thank You!!
Great story teller . My father was in the Australian Army in 70-71 in Vietnam . Only had positive stories about you Marines. Thanks for sharing.
I dont understand what he was selling to the undercover NCIS?
Man People need to hear. What these men most are heros. Went threw over there!! They Need to be told.
WOW. Another incredible story, great work!!!
Thank you for tellin' your story. What an adventure in good and bad ways. This are those people who can do everything with discilpin, strengh, intelligence and heart! Hope one day i meet such a man.
"The problem with our generation is that the war killed some guys, they just don't know it yet." ...damn.
That is a prophetic quote
i spent half my day watching this video off and on. What a great man and a great story teller.
Thanks for watching, appreciate your time!
Grew up a Navy brat. Chose a different path but always respected Marines and had many friends in the Corps. Grandfather was army infantry in WWII. He told me when I was a young boy the same thing that you and many others have said in one way or another. You all give so much and then are treated like shit by our government and command. You all deserve better.
Thank you brother!! Semper Fi
Great story teller! I never thought about the "higher" trust level SOME military soldiers have compared to civilians. Ryan is right! Having those trusting relationships gives us a Blue print to develop (or end) new relationships.
I work at a Veteran’s skilled nursing facility. My vets are Vietnam and desert storm but hearing these stories gives me an idea as to what they had to do, only under worse conditions and less air support..
Watched all 3 hrs. Excellent. Thanks for your service
Thanks for watching!
Great guest- great story teller.
Thanks
Your awesome brother
Love the longer videos man, keep up the great content. Listen to every video!
Appreciate you watching 🤙🏼
Great episode! I got nothing done here at work while listening to this captivating story lol.
One hell of a story teller. It's almost like the listener is there, very detailed.
lol he said the recruiter was happy that he could just pass the piss test
The USMC our the purest form of Freedom. Brave & courageous... Thank you for your service.
That was a great description of Nowzad. You should interview someone from fox 2/7. We were the first marines there. We had to build the fob. We had very little support and it was a very kinetic battlefield. When we first got there, there wasn't hardly any IEDS. After our first mission (we kicked the shit out of the Taliban) I remember hearing that the Taliban had started calling all of their ied makers back to nowzad. We could intercept their icom radio traffic. It got real scary after that.
Some interesting info about the SMMC😬