Army Paratroopers Confront Iraqi Combatants in Hand-to-Hand Battle
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2023
- This week’s Urban Valor episode features Army veteran, Fernando Arroyo.
Fernando grew up in Bell Gardens, CA where he witnessed gang violence from a young age.
Since a kid, he’d been interested in joining the military, but the 9/11 attack on America solidified it. Fernando enlisted into the Army on a paratrooper contract. He’s conducted multiple combat deployments and speaks on the difficulty of transition after his experience in the military.
Fernando has also written a book called “The Shadow of Death” detailing his experience in Fallujah and battling for his soul upon transitioning.
Fernando Arroyo is a combat veteran and hero who's sharing his story to help other combat veterans and we greatly support him here at Urban Valor.
This guy is the most genuine bro. Everyone loves this guy and he doesn't even know it.
Facts- a very humble person
@@UrbanValorTVI was in that scout platoon that deployment and Arroyo was my first team leader right before! Unfortunately he was sent to Bco, and we spent that year and a half separated from each other. He’s one of the best leaders I’ve had the pleasure of serving with!
That's my brother he's my hero! I remember our struggles and all the violence around our home. I'm proud of my brother, love you man!
Send him all of our love a respect...💯
Lol !!! That's my brother and HERO too I was in Charlie Co. 1/508 🎉 same Brigade as ur brother and I grew up in the varrio of West Whittier my aunt lived in South gate and my sister lived in Bell Gardens all the respect to ur brother ✊💪💯🔥!!! But I'll bet my recruiting story could rival his 🤣🤣🤣 I was so ignorant I didn't even know that we could select our MOS 😂hell I didn't even know what an mos was but eventually I became a duel mos of 11b1p and 11c1p because I didn't graduate high school so they could move me anywhere b😂👍
@@koolgrandaddysweetzforever4249 share you story!
I will tomorrow brother, but I'm nowhere as good a storyteller as ur brother and I'm so old now I served in late 70's and early 80's 👍✊ see you tomorrow brother 💙
God bless him and your family
As a veteran of Desert Storm, these guys have my highest respect. What pisses me off is that our civilian leadership or politicians are so nonchalant about first sending our people to war and then pulling everybody out giving up on a whim or political expedience. They waste the lives of our military personnel for their own political self aggrandizement. Makes me ill how we were pulled out of Iraq and Afghanistan leaving millions of dollars worth of our equipment and having wasted all the sacrifices and lives of our young warriors.
You are right,and its😢
Yep, there main objective was to get rid of the Saddam regime. Fuck what happens after that. Mission complete. Makes me sick too, many lives just thrown away, and that includes many who returned, let alone the one that didn't.
God is great, he saved you in Iraq and that in LA. You have confessed your belief. You're saved, now go out and do good for mankind. Tet.68 Nam also saved.
they always have....
The fools that decided to go into Afghanistan must of had stock in the government contracting firms. We were there for nearly 20 years, and the public was lied to by politicians, the military, and all the ngos that get paid by taxpayer money. They even came out with a report that depicted all the lies to the American public.
Remember the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, and they have a common border, and they were unsuccessful in their venture. But us, over 5,000 mi away are going to pacify and rebuild Afghanistan. Stupid on stupid. Just money and lives spent on a dream. American exceptionalism..........right.
"I'm going to watch 5 min of this, just another cool combat story...". I had to keep watching and felt a connection with him. Straightforward, no BS attitude and great story telling.
My exact experience haha
For real! I couldn't not watch the whole thing. ❤
@@KatieShaddrick1 put it on while doing something else
Fernando was my Recent case Manager at a Veterans Program Similar to SAN Diego Aspire. Solid cat, very Godly man
I was one of the Kiowa Pilots that you spoke of...... Great story. Stay strong!
We’re you there at the same time? 1-17? You guys were amazing. I remember the day Captain Hampton was lost.. and CWO Weaver
Thank You
God Bless
Would love to hear your perspective in an interview!
Wow, knew here well, I went through flight school with her. We were in purple class together. She was a very nice person, and I was really bummed when I heard what happened to her.@@srsmedic8285
My lab who passed several years ago pushed my glock 17 away from my head before pulling the trigger and wasn't but a few years after my OEF X tour and the now ex wife had left with the kids and it was me and my dog. Thank God my lab did because I've gotten help and try to help other vets whenever I can!
🙏 Your lab was there at the perfect time my Brother. Glad you are here with us. SF🤙
@UrbanValorTV Have 3 of their names tattooed on my left arm and thats just a few from that tour but every day since then I look at thier names and try to live a life deserving of their sacrifice and it gives me reason.
All dogs go to heaven! Hope you’re doing well mate
This hit a nerve. I was in 2001-09 19d cav army. I can relate to everything you said bro. As a Chicano vet from nothing now i have more then i deserve. You have fellow vets out here that have your back.
Thank you for your service.
“For the first time in history, a recruiter was honest.” Love it That is a rarity
My recruiter was honest as well so maybe not
Chicanos have soul. ☆Milkweed
Who wants to be a Army cook if you cant cook you wash dishes for a year in the dessert sounds terrible
These interviews are the best unintrusive ones I've seen, all about the vet and not about the interviewer talking
You cornballs make the same comments on videos of dudes sitting in chairs listening to stories. this isn’t an interview.
*/
Sl
Bro your story made so much sense to me, joined the Marine Corps, walked in said I wanted to go Infantry, soon as possible so the day I graduated they were celebrating and I was leaving my grad party and going to boot camp, my deployments made me question where was God at if he was real how could he let this happen, got involuntary extended, went on another deployment came home was released, came home angry, felt alone, didnt trust anyone, didnt want to sound like a bitch, and I was so angry because there was no work so I walked away from everything and everyone, suicide started sounding like the plan, I attempted and the noise broke while I was unconscious, I fell the ground and hit my nose first and my nose split like a blowed up hot dog and that pain made me breathe I came too, tried one more time a couple days later but didnt take so I looked up and said ok God if I am supposed to live we need to talk. I put a pack on my back and took off walking 730 miles during a polar vortex cussing God the entire walk back down to where I was from. One night I couldnt get a fire going, and it was raining, sleeting, I was soaked, and just got worse and said ok God this is where I die, an hour later the rain and sleet stopped the moon came out full and bright and the valley was covered in ice and it lit up beautiful and that night in WV I found peace for the first time in years. And God and i had an understanding and I was on the front door step looking at my mom they didnt know I was walking home. I could have drove, but i needed that walk, that solitude, that quietness, no distraction, just me and my mind.
That’s one hell of a story mate. Maybe you could write it down and get it published. Turn it into a film! Huge ask I know, I guess I am thinking that it could be of enormous help to someone else in similar circumstances. Stay safe. All the best from Down Under.
You found God like when Lt Dan jumped off the shrimp boat and started swimming 😅lol
@@OldCrackano lie I was there 😂
Yo if this is real you really need to make this into a film or book, not every experience has to be shared but if all you said is true it sounds like a harrowing journey and I’m not a religious person
@@bored4161 all true brother, I have had a lot of people say I need to write a book about everything, but I can't imagine anyone would really care to really about it you know. But yeah I still stop and go back to the that spot in WV where I thought I was going to freeze to death often. It was a dark time I really never thought I would make it the other side alive but man, I did, I just wish some of these guys who get into that dark spot could hear me say don't give up, I lost another buddy I served with this last December and didn't have a clue he was struggling, and not sure if what I would have said would have even mattered but if you just keep pushing through it all there is light at the end of the tunnel
I am a Vietnam Combat Veteran & a Christian. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ❤
Thank you for your service sir! God bless you and your family.
Thank you for your service.
The Bible has well over 50k confirmed errors in it google it . Islam is the answer.
What does God say about killing others? Hm?
Fernando’s memory is first rate…his experience recall is incredible! The stop-loss he concurred right when he was to be discharged was a tough one. Those metal bracelets he wears to honor his battle brothers is outstanding. This interview really hits the mark, thanks to all who made it happen!
Glory bot
@@alwincoleman3932yet you came to stalk people because you have nothing in life to live for.
@@alwincoleman3932
It appears that Tommy8404's father served in WW2. In what theater did you or your father serve? Draft evasion in Canada?
@@deplorabledave1048he was a platoon leader in the 101st beta cuck brigade where he sucked off naked cowboys
thats how mexicans are very detailed
What a WARRIOR! I’m blown away by the ABSOLUTE honesty and candidness with which he remembers everything. Totally open and full of pride..AS HE SHOULD BE! My favorite interview easy! Thanks for bringing this American Hero to the rest of the world…
Shame on you!!!
Chicago Illinois USA?
Daily carnage!!
You are more evil and wicked than JUSSIE SMOLLETT because you want and promote war EVERY SINGLE DAY ALL DAY LONG
I'm sorry but if you think he should have pride for seriously contemplating executing prisoners AND then beating them half to death (these could have easily been civilians) then you have really fucked up morales. That is shameful. Imagine if there were Chinese occupiers here and they beat your son almost to death for stealing some gas.
@@Legalizeasbestos…… are you serious….. do you know how many Islamic extremist go to Germany, or Sweden or other countries that have nothing to do with anything Islam and you have terrorist that behead or kill innocent women and children and men…….
And those people hide among regular clothing like cowards….. The U.S is not perfect but they atleast hold themselves accountable and also they wear uniforms to show proper military presence…….
And if we are so bad why do we have enough freedom to publicly speak on the mistakes U.S military does as civilians….
You can’t do that in Russia or Middle East….. or the government will kill you…. We don’t have that bad of a problem like that in America…. We aren’t perfect but atleast have that….
Jes great warrior, killing bombing and robbing poor Iraqis.
damn i wish some Military would do the same in the US
Just destroy you for a lie and then celebrate themselfes as heroes xD
Oh wait china will in future
@@Legalizeasbestos Die Rache der Völker wird über das 4te Rome kommen, wirst sehen bro
Much love and respect from 🇬🇧 to our US brothers. And this brave warrior for putting his experiences out there. If there is a war we stand next to you and your country.
Much respect to the🇬🇧 SAS.
Great, authentic interview for this dedicated soldier… 100% respect.
🙏
This guy is a true American. Thank you for your service
ALMIGHTY GOD KABIR is the father of all souls that JESUS, MOHAMMAD, GURU NANAK, VEDH was telling in BIBLE, QURAN, GURU GRANTHA SAHEB
Nah...
America was founded on not being entangled in foreign wars. He's part of the problem.
@@lawlesslee1405lol
@@lawlesslee1405I see you have multiple personalities. Take your happy pills.
I love this comment cause us Hispanics not always but most the time are looked at as we aren’t Americans despite are parents and grandparents sometimes even great grandparents being from the U.S.
I was almost a 22 a day turn myself in the Veterans Hospital over in San Diego then I ended up on the caseload of Fernando and I was very very fortunate this was just the last few months
Stay strong brother
Stay with us
God Bless
It’s bad ass that this dude made the conscious decision to get out of his hometown and serve the USA at 18! Thank you!
This guy is a natural story teller. Very interesting, funny, sad, inspiring, and real story. I appreciate you letting the rest of us in on your story. Thanks gor your service. I am truly sorry for all your losses. Im glad that you got to live another day. Im thankful that you are an American.👊💯
There’s not a day goes by that I think about 22 years as a soldier, 7 of those in combat. Iraq for me will always be there with me.
Thank you
God Bless
Thanks for your service Sir!
Thank you for your service
Thank you sir. A true hero
Thanks For Your Service Brother!! I was there in the sandbox, hunting For Top Insurgents. Iranian EFP Makers and Saddam’s old Guard.
Damn I served in 2007-2009 iraq and this story brought back some memories and emotions. The thoughts and feelings this guy went through..
Same here. I’m the same age as him and served 04 Iraq. No one will get it unless you were in combat. The struggle is real after war, your never the same. I live my life fulfilled to this day with a wife and 3 kids happily the best I can and my heart fully opened and trust 100% in Jesus. He is the only way to salvation.
2003 to 04 Iraq Karbala.
Thank you
@@robs867 yeah it's definitely not the same man. I have a wife and a son and I still feel empty at times. I also go back and forth about if we even accomplished anything over there. When I was there I thought we were. But now talking with my battle buddies years later I'm not sure and it fuckin sucks... Oh well it's the past I guess right.
@@BRExteriorPro Thank you for your service.
Listening to Fernando Arroyo’s story was an experience.
I went from sweaty palms hearing about jump school to laughing at the weed story, then to shock and awe hearing his 3rd deployment, by the end i was crying hearing his time coming home.
This man is such an inspiration to me… every thing he said resonates with me. Especially his relationship with god.
As a young 23 year old man that also believes in Jesus, I look up to Fernando.
Godspeed and Godbless, thank you for doing this buddy.
I was youtube surfing when this video randomly started playing. Watching it I relived experiences from over 40 years ago in my own life through this video. It struck home. The intensity. The violence. The adrenalin. The terror. The loss. The 4-5 years it took to get my life back on track after the Army. The emotions, experiences, and losses that I carry with me to this day. The complete lack of resources available when I served upon separation for counseling. It was one day your in, next day you're on a plane, you land, fill out reams paperwork, turn in your equipment, get your final pay with a travel voucher and a thank you for your service, and you're on you own in 72 hours. But we survive.
Stay strong, SALUTE!!! "Brothers"
God bless man.
Man, to be honest I was thinking the same thing. My memories are coming up in October and that was our worst attacks. Was in the 82nd also.
That's messed up....😢
Yes same here only different country ( North of Ireland) 80s was my time and we were fighting the Brit military, and a handful of different paramilitary groups. It was a terrible time looking back but as a young man you’re loyal to your country and brothers. I’m 61 now and I still get jumpy and upset yet our Grandfathers and fathers fought the same enemy. We have peace now but it’s not solid I hope are sons don’t have to do the same thing, I’m sure my Grandfather said the same thing about my father and he about me.
Im 7th generation or so So Cal Native. I really enjoy hearing the stories of all the Chicano Great Americans who Did Their Duty! I hope God Blesses Them All !!!
Hearing you talk about waking up in the middle of the night low crawling took me straight back to 2006 when I got out. I woke up my girlfriend at that time doing the same thing yelling at her to hide in my closet cause there coming😢 thanks for sharing big guy
Great story I myself grew up on the streets of South Philly .At 18 joined the Army also never flew in an aircraft, in Basic training the Airborne recruiter showed up 10 of us singed up out of a group of 2 or 3 hundred. Everyone said you guys are nuts to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I have to say to this day it was one of the BEST DESIONS I EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. I ended with 32 jumps and loved every one of them. ONLY ANYONE WHO EVER JOINED THE ARMY AIRBORE WOULD KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT.
Kudos to you josh for not interrupting and letting him speak. He is an awesome story teller. Thanks for this one. Semper fi
That hopeless, post golden years of your life (for many veterans it was their time either in combat participating or being miserable as all heck with your (sometimes unknown) closest family you’ll ever have) is very real. Talk about your time. Share your stories and experiences. This will absolutely help others suffering and having difficulty with mental health in the future.
Came here for action pack story but instead leave me in tears, am a civilian but am going through alot sometimes suicidal tendency as well ... his message give me hope and feel like am not the only one in life with mountain of problem.. God bless you sir.
Please seek help before you make a poor choice. You deserve better than to be in misery.
there is no problem in the world that can solve a suicide death. every life is a gift and special and its up to you to solve it and i know you can. it can be so hard , but belive in jesus and ask him for help and he will be there for you. problems you always solve in baby steps, start with the easy one and fight throu the hardest. im sure if you faith is strong jesus our god will be there for you. what also helps if you ask friends and family to pray you for. i start right here and now and pray for you.
Toughen up buddy.. I'm a cripple laying in bed with a pressure sore.
Think about the people you'll leave behind wondering why??
Hear this guys story? He made it you can!
82nd Airborne - Desert Shield / Desert Storm Vet...... Thanks for your share Brother!!
Thanks for watching brother 👊🏼🤙🏼🇺🇸
This is without a doubt the best interviews I’ve ever watched… At one time i was suffering just like Fernando was, and I too finally got the help I desperately needed… No words can describe the overwhelming burden and heartache I lived through for so many years, but finally being able to get all that crap off my conscience and getting my life back is no doubt one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt…
I happy for you bud. I appreciate the sacrifices you made.
ALMIGHTY GOD KABIR is the father of all souls that JESUS, MOHAMMAD, GURU NANAK, VEDH was telling in BIBLE, QURAN, GURU GRANTHA SAHEB
Thank You for your sacrifice. Thank You!
@@bibekjung7404beta cuck
@@bibekjung7404what exactly is your point?
Ex Brit Army here, not a bad career but it never came close to Fernando's service. His life is incredible. And he's really candid. His recruitment story reminded of me trying to enlist at 17, as a skinny little runt.
I had to go back a few times before they took me in, and like Fernando they tried to talk me into becoming a cook. Looking back, maybe they did need cooks. But I also think they needed to know if I really wanted it the hard way; and if I was worth their time. After that, honestly, the recruitment process was greased for me. Enjoyed this video interview, thanks.
Fuck man I was on your last tour with you. I was in Aco 2nd platoon we had 5 Kia many wounded. Gerard was my first sgt my second tour. Badass dude he lost an eye on your tour so had a pimp eyepatch. Good dude only higher up I respected.
What you said about being 19 and thinking your not going to make it. It’s a trip man I was 19 on that intense tour.
Glad your helping vets now. I traveled the world studying alternative medicines to offer our boys alternatives to opiates. Now I have a acupuncture and massage clinic just for vets up in Wisconsin.
Love ya brother would love to connect sometime.
Hell yeah you're still here!
Yeah man, I was a rifle team leader as a PFC before I was old enough to drink and the full of extent of that didn't hit me until I came back from the first deployment in 05 and seeing my friends who went to college and how it was just an extension of high school with less supervision and more drugs and alcohol. They went to parties and snuck into bars on their 19th birthdays, I turned 19 in a turret pulling security on a .50 outside an ANP compound. I was 19 and felt 40 and they were 19 acting like 16 year olds.
Battle Monkeys!
Just for vets, huh? Sounds pretty selfish to exclude others who could benefit from that as well.
I known him since kindergarten! We graduated from BGHS... Always been a solid dude! Godly Man! Funny and a great friend! I reached out as a friend depressed having marital problems... He went out of his way to have dinner with me and hear me out... Crazy to know after everything he went through he was here for me in a time of need!
I want to be a Ranger one day. I’m almost done with college and I can probably get a regular job after but that’s not what I want. Stories like these make me look up to these guys. Thank you for your service.
be very careful what you wish for
Hey man as someone who’s been through Ranger School and a bunch of other Army schools (I’ve been in since 2007) if I were you I’d sign up as a 18A (since you have a college degree) that MOS is a Special Forces Officer. And if you’re in SF (aka Green Berets) and since you’d be an officer you could get slotted very easily for Ranger School as well. Best of luck to you.
Don't risk your health, life, and future for war...
We laugh about these times cus we have to..it wasn't fun, just traumatizing.
The trade off for this lifestyle/career is immeasurable!
Do it bro. Live ur life be a Ranger
@@ikedubois good advice brother
Wonderful testimony Mr. Arroyo. Your story of the Bible falling off the desk is an amazing sign. Thank you for opening up. And thank you for your service.
What a guy. I hope he knows how many people are thankful for him.
🙏
so much respect for this guy and all veterans. we don’t honor or help them enough. i wouldn’t even feel worthy to be in the same room as this guy. hero. I appreciate him and all vets
I love to see the excitement that runs through these guys when they talk about basic training. It all has a purpose in the end. Hard training to prepare us for the job at hand. The Sergeants and officers that are interviewed all the recruit's "kids", reminds me of good times while faced with horrible circumstances.
God bless America and her Warriors !
My ex husband came back from Vietnam a mess. He destoyed our marriage,his career, and health. He refused to get help even to this day. He has been married four times and quietly dying now. Some never recover or seek help after serving their country.
He destroyed, huh? Some women used to stay with their fucked up men. The VA isn't exactly helping these men.
Maybe you can find a Christian veteran from that Vietnam era to help your ex- husband to prepare for the next life properly. He won't find peace in this life,after all that happened, but he CAN turn his life over to Jesus before it's too late.
Humans weren’t supposed to see, feel, or experience the things our veterans have. May God bless him and you and your family
"What have you done that he cannot forgive?" Damn. That one hit me right in the face. Great video, brother.
I love a great story teller. This dude is a legend.
Edit: his self destruction story was wild. Gave me chills. So glad this dude survived.
Well done young man! Deployed. Put in work. Came back and lied about pain to prevent looking weak. Then admitted to his actions. Well done!
Yeah we all do it. Then when we ask for help people scream about how weak we are.
Wow. His honesty and courage was just amazing. I’m in recovery myself with PTSD, not from the effects of war but from issues due to my family of origin. He’s done an incredible amount of work. I wish survivors of abuse had such complete and thorough recovery resources available to us. Thanks so much for sharing this. Very inspiring.
You got this! You not alone!!
You know you got a messed up family when you refer to them as "my family of origin" 😅
@@OldCracka 🤡 Bumblebee tuna
He is a super hero in my book. I pray he lives a very prosperous and happy life. Very proud of him and thankful to all that serve in our country's military and the sacrifice they have made.
Great interview. I did the same thing almost. I joined my junior year of high school. I went through the Army recruiter that came to my school. Told him I wanted airborne infantry. His MOS was artillery and he asked me if I was sure and I said yes, very sure. Once at MEPPS they tried to get me to accept all kinds of mechanic jobs and I just kept saying no. Then they finally said ok you will be 11X and just ask for airborne school once you get to basic. I called BS and said I was leaving and they finally put it in my contract. I ended up as 11B and went to Korea first and then finally the 82nd (2/504 PIR).
His stories was an emotional roller-coaster... great interview.
This was a great insight into what a combat veteran goes through. Appreciate all veterans 🙏. Nobody knows the physical and emotional trauma they endure.
I was a gay cartel captain . Took real balls to succeed. I'd be asked to bum members of rival gangs and I did many tines 367 tines I counted . I'd make it count and go deep
I used technical 8nf9 to make it lat including prosthetic equipment to male ot late I till they belew several times and I did it for america . Do call me a hero I just did my job . 2m5 to 6 hour sessions brutal non stop work amd they all complied . 2 misti oneguy 11 hours ans he told it all efore he killed himself after 19 ejaculating experiences. I did my duty . True story
No kidding... How would anyone who hasn't been tried in it?
100% agree bro!
Imagine the physical and emotional trauma they inflicted on two countries full of civilians…
My recruiters never lied to me. I did become an Airborne Infantryman when I enlisted back in 1986. I finally did go to my first combat during the Panama Invasion of 1989-90, later in life I was in Iraq from 2006-08 as again in infantry. The greatest thing of my memories was jumping out of airplanes from Airborne School and 30 times later, I loved it!!! For my reunions I would jump out of a C47 like the Band Of Brothers Hollywood for 3 years until COVID hit. I used to be in the 1/508th PIR.
I was in 1/508 1996-98.
Rebadged from 3/325 to 1//508 in Italy.
Diablo
@@HappyHermitt My BC in Panama was Billy Fitzgerald in 89-90.
Patrick Bet-David was a refugee from Iran. He chose to join the 101st when he was able to do so. Much like this fine gentleman joined the 82nd Airborne, All American. Superb citizens, both of them!
I watched that play out on September 11th and it caused me to join the Army. Served as a Infantryman 11bravo for 3 years. Joined in 2006. Some of the best and wrst times of my young adult life. Got to Benning Sept 6 2006. Alpha 1-50.
This guy experienced a lot of the suck. God bless him and I hope he can overcome any trauma that without a doubt he has experienced.
Man having a Dad makes all the difference in the world. My parents split when I was 3. I got in alotta trouble but I turned out okay.
It’s sometimes tough to hear what the younger generation had to endure.
When I was younger, we had many Vietnam veterans in our neighborhood. Their struggles were many.
When I was older, there came a day when I possessed somewhat of an understanding of what they were experiencing after their service.
This October, I’ll be in Jacksonville, NC with my fellow Marines and Corpsmen, for the 40th Anniversary of the Beirut bombing of our BLT HQ, and to honor those who were KIA/WIA, both before and after the events of 10/23/83.
Keep doing what you’re doing.
“The first duty is to remember.”
SF
Amen brother! Both my boys were born at Camp Le June, one in 1994 and the other in 1996, both myself and their Mother are Marine Veterans. Semper Fi from an old Marine
Blame your government for getting involved in unnecessary conflicts
Michael, I lost a high school friend in the Beirut bombing. Hit like a ton of bricks, I was 23 he was 22 I was just out of college a year and he had gone into the Marines and was in the building that collapsed with the car bomb engineered by Iranians. I also lost a friend in Iraq, he was my same age and was chaperoning a female American lawyer who was trying to collect and organize Iraqi women into the newly forming government. He, she, and their bodyguard driver were murdered at a fake checkpoint and their bodies stuffed into the trunk of the car. The car was stopped and searched at another checkpoint and discovered. His name was John Zangas, a colonel , and a great man who left behind a wife and 3 kids. This was in 2004 as best I remember now and he would have been 44 years old at the time of his death. It's a small world and every body lost is has a ripple effect.
What the younger generation has to endure..... are you having a laugh or what.???🤦🏻♂️
Each generation before this current weak ,gamer and social medias obsessed generation has had it way way harder 100 percent 👍🏻
WW1 and WW2 ,Korea and Vietnam had everything way harder than this current pathetic generation. I genuinely can't believe that you think this.
Agree with the rest of your comment bud damn do I personally think that opening sentence was utter nonsense.
@@HERETOHELPPEOPLE729are you a combat veteran?
When I enlisted I only wanted Airborne Infantry as well but the recruiters were pushing MLRS, multiple launch rocket system, and they were baffled when I insisted on paratrooper. It worked out, I spent 6 yrs active duty and went from 82nd & 2nd ID in Korea and a trip to combat thrown in for giggles. Good times. Airborne, Brother
9:08 Just love the attitude of people who can embrace the suck and are willing to do the unknown. Takes a real man.
True American 🇺🇸 hero! Thank you for your service. His story is amazing! I felt that I was there watching going through this. I hope they make a move of this for you and your brothers. God bless you all.
I'm so proud of you, Fernando! God has blessed you tremendously. 🙏
Salute 🫡. Tears in my eyes, I spent 22 yrs in the Army, I too have almost ended it all, spent a month in a VA psychiatric hospital. Thank you brother for all you done, accomplished and still doing. God Bless 🇺🇸🇺🇸 An old SGM….
Thanks for your service, Tony. Hope you're OK now.
What a fantastic episode of this man’s story! Happy to see he got the help he needed and found purpose in his life after the war!
A great and true story. I thank him for his service and for helping our veterans!
I was in the scout platoon 2/505 around the same time you were there. Although, it was such a long time ago, I barely remember anyone I didn't directly work with. I was also pretty close to you in Fallujah on the eastern side near the MSR. Thanks for sharing your story. You got a lot more courage than I do. - Airborne.
I was A co 2/505 at that time, rock on man
Honestly I don’t remember most of the guys I served with just a few of them. Was with 2/325.
I was C co 2P on that deployment. At least a few of our guys from Charlie Co went to the scout platoon… The only scout guys I can remember right now are the four that were attached to us at PB Olson.
…I still think about the horrible shyte that went down.
I hope the living will know peace before their time to rest.
H-Minus
I'm in tears, The world is a much better place with you in it. God be with you, God bless you...
I have watched hundreds of these interviews with Veterans of all ages. This guy really speaks well. And I don't mean grammatically just getting the message across. I'm really getting into this podcast. I have to stop and comment. I sincerely hope that he's doing some public speaking hopefully paid engagements to share his story. He tells it so very very well. Many thanks for him being on this podcast. But he definitely needs to enlarge his audience. I will share it as much as I can share this video as much as I can
This is an amazing story. His story underscores the importance of family, personal responsibility, doing right. His transformation, his battles on the streets of America and overseas, his personal trauma. We owe it to him and the others who gave. We owe it to care for them, we owe them that. Thank you for your service, I am greatful and thinking of you and your family.
82nd!!! Go Fayettenam and Bragg!!! Born and raised 910!!!! And loss is never easy, my best friend for years called me before his birthday, then committed suicide on his birthday. We would say the exact same thing. Love you bro, we miss you all the time JTS.
These interviews deserve way more views
God isn’t done with this young man. What an inspiration to others.
There is no magical invisible man in the sky. What we do in life is up to us.
@@slappy8941don’t be so fuckin negative. Fuck sakes. Let people believe in what they want to believe in. You don’t have to be so cynical
The crazy thing is that leaving the infantry is like leaving an identity behind we feel alone. Especially when we got back from deployments and discharged. I felt lost for a long time but eventually made my way to healthcare and am a registered nurse now. This is a great interview that every grunt can relate to that fought in Iraq and Afghanistan
Thats awesome brother. Glad that you are in a good place in life.
This guy couldn’t had told his story better. Well done
Man, I wish there were outreach programs for civilians leaving first response. I medicaled out with a back injury, and ptsd. I'm struggling finding a new career path because being covered in blood, spraying brain matter off the roadway isn't really a marketable skill. It's tough every day. When your wife doesn't understand where you're at with it, or your baby daughter... your story is pretty rough bro. Love you. Stay safe.
One of the best interviews I’ve ever watched. Good luck to you sir , you are a true Hero .
In tears... Amazing interview. Thank you.
I'm not a vet. Nonetheless this story is powerful, sad, and exciting all at the same time.
They are more than we deserve
Your name says all I need to know. Go outside bro
The definition of a true American hero
So strutting off invading a country based on lies makes one a hero.
@@parabot2calm down pansy no one stealing your barbie collection. Stay calm do not harm yourself. You okay? Good.
The absolute best veteran interview I have ever seen! From the heart ❤️
I watched the whole video, thanks for letting Fernando pour his heart out, it was worth every second.
Sir massive respect to you.. A honest riveting story...Thank you.. 🏴🏴🏴
This is absolutely stunning. Mr. Arroyo, thank you for sharing your story and for the work you are doing with vets now.
Mad respect brother Airborne! Thank you for all you've done and continue to do. AATW
God Bless ya Brother! Thank you for serving our country. Thank you for sharing your Story!
Appreciate your support 🤙🏼
I went to bell gardens high school! Class of 2014 though nice seeing a vet from our city tell his story! Thank you for your service fernando!
Massive respect to this guy. Keep up your great work. ♥
Thank for this great site. These in-depth, heartfelt interviews really help the viewer understand and appreciate our veterans.
Been on your shoes man. It never truly goes away and you arent a loser. We just get misplaced every once in awhile brother.
Great storytelling! Thank you for your service
He's so good at telling his story, thank you for your service and for sharing.
Absolutely awesome brosif. Thankyou for your Service my guy!
Thank you for these interviews, they are important!
It can help to talk about things and for the future it will be important to have these so future generations can also watch them and learn. Recently I discovered interviews with German WW1 Veterans and it hits different to hear from the actual people what they experienced rather then hear it from a historian or just read about it.
Great interview, Fernando is brutally honest about his story and I him for his service and sacrifices.
Thank you all for all of the services. It love you guys 💜
Much Love & Respect !!! Thank you !!
What a awesome interview! Thank you for sharing both sides.
That was a great watch. Thank you for your service mate.
Thank you for service. I am glad I found this interview. I am buying your book. It is very encouraging.
I can't tell you how much this has helped me.
I am ex British Royal Tank Regiment, Thank you for your service... I love you Brother. I love ALL you Brothers. God Bless you all.
Great interview ! Joined in 76 right out of high school. 3rd squad 2nd platoon Bravo co 3/325 82nd Airborne.
Thank You!
God Bless
Wow !! That was one powerful and honest share !! Thank you !! 🙏🏽❤️