Amputee Soldier Recounts Fighting Al Qaeda in the Streets of Iraq

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  • Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
  • 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

Комментарии • 64

  • @jennarojas605
    @jennarojas605 21 день назад +10

    Rojas is my dad❤️ it makes me so happy to see people talk about him!! He really was amazing. His service never went unappreciated❤️

  • @anaxis
    @anaxis Месяц назад +52

    I got a Red Cross message & emergency leave in '07, and was due to fly out of Balad that night on a C-130; they loaded a casket first as the rest of us stood by and presented arms. I happened to be last on, so my seat ended up being next to that colors-covered coffin. We didn't know who it was and I didn't ask, but that particular flight was one of the most potent & saddest times of my life that I'll never forget.

    • @Killerkeller84
      @Killerkeller84 Месяц назад +7

      I deployed as an Individual as a private to meet my unit in Iraq. I too had a casket come on during flight. It definitely set the mood for the deployment.

  • @NewKanyeFan
    @NewKanyeFan Месяц назад +20

    Every father with children understands 100% why you're getting choked up. ❤

  • @melvinmartin9295
    @melvinmartin9295 Месяц назад +18

    I was a cook in the Army but a gunner in Iraq. The best and worst times I had while I served

  • @JayDubb3BCT
    @JayDubb3BCT Месяц назад +23

    My words will never be enough to show how much i respect our Soldiers , Marines, Airmen, and Saliors. Just knowing that Men & Women like this are the people we served with is an honor. Having been able to serve with some of the best people the earth was blessing in itself.
    From a former Sgt 1-505 ACO PIR 11B AATW 2001-2009
    Thank you Brother.
    H-MINUS 🇺🇲

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words are weak and never enough. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @frankbernat740
    @frankbernat740 Месяц назад +12

    Kyle Kelly, I appreciate what you have done for us here, your service. And your story, had me tearing, for what you felt,emotionally, saw, and the pain you felt physically. I can say I love you for your heart and soul. I am sitting in a rehab, from a sprained ankle, that was healing, 6 wks in. Turned about face was infected in the joint from inside, & that led to possibly losing my foot, or up to knee. I had several surgeries, & may have to go thru another. To fuse ankle, but you give me the bravery to go thru these things. I can go on describing, but there is no way, I would think to show the appreciation I feel that you deserve. Thank You

  • @trevorsenter6089
    @trevorsenter6089 Месяц назад +3

    This channel deserves to be seen by so many more people. These guys have incredible stories of their experiences

  • @user-cc5od3zk4p
    @user-cc5od3zk4p Месяц назад +12

    Thank you for your service, Kyle. Excellent interview 👍

  • @samg9529
    @samg9529 Месяц назад +13

    Thank you for your service sir 🙏 🇺🇸

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @debriefproject
    @debriefproject Месяц назад +4

    Great interview... you have a great memory, Kyle. You have a solid grasp of what happen for being such a young Soldier at the time. I appreciate you sharing your story, you did ALL those who served in that area a SOLID! Much respect - Bobby

  • @austinshannon4197
    @austinshannon4197 Месяц назад +7

    LONG LIVE ALL UNITED STATES ARMED FORCEMAN!!!!!!! They are superheroes defending American civilians rights!!!!!

  • @NWA-REALITY
    @NWA-REALITY Месяц назад +5

    God Bless you brother! It takes serious balls to walk the path you have! Thank you for your service and for sharing your experience with others! God Bless!

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @TheGainfather
    @TheGainfather Месяц назад +3

    Thank you for your service and sacrifices. Don't be embarrassed about your transitioning time. Some people never really transition at all.

  • @richardclary6267
    @richardclary6267 Месяц назад +18

    Thank You for your service, Thank You for the Video

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @SerenityDavis-u2x
    @SerenityDavis-u2x Месяц назад +2

    Thank you for your service bro. We are so very proud of you and all you have overcome and accomplished in your life. Keep on pushing forward brother. Love you 🙏🏼🇺🇸

  • @helenahawk7752
    @helenahawk7752 Месяц назад +5

    Thank you for your service Sir.💯 Very eloquently spoken. Key words 'Service to others ' Much Respect and Gratitude 🎉. Continue to Stay Blessed 🎉😊

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @wildcat8598
    @wildcat8598 Месяц назад +3

    Thank you for sharing your story. Glad to hear about what you’re doing now to help others and have found that purpose in life.

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @dannybell926
    @dannybell926 Месяц назад +10

    Im a 12B also. Went through basic & AIT in summer 2003. Was in B Co. 35th Bat. Good times 😂😂

  • @G.Harley.Davidson
    @G.Harley.Davidson Месяц назад +4

    Thank you for this interview.

  • @darrenstockman9268
    @darrenstockman9268 Месяц назад +4

    You survived to write yr own story
    I listened to you over several days
    Family is everything at the end of the day
    You must be proud of yr daughter
    I’m on the otherside of the planet but yr incredible story made it here I don’t know you but you make sense
    Kia kaha bro

  • @thomasjames8246
    @thomasjames8246 24 дня назад +2

    Man, I just finished watching the whole video. Your whole story is spitting facts of mine. I’m sorry for all you went through as I personally know how hard it really was.

    • @UrbanValorTV
      @UrbanValorTV  23 дня назад

      Appreciate it brother 🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼

  • @YZFMANIAC08
    @YZFMANIAC08 Месяц назад +5

    Thank you for your service 🫡

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @johnandstephanie377
    @johnandstephanie377 19 дней назад +1

    Thanks for sharing. You're absolutely right about finding somewhere to belong and an identity. I was only in from 1988 to 1996, but it definitely took a while to adjust back

  • @dejawilson9436
    @dejawilson9436 29 дней назад

    Thank you to all of the veterans that get on here and tell their stories. Thank you for your bravery, thank you for defending us!! You all deserve way more flowers than what you are given. When these grown men start to break down to cry you just see all the pain they have went through for people like me to be safe at home 😢😩 Thank you guys a million times 🙏🏽🙌🏽

  • @user-bf1me5pz6x
    @user-bf1me5pz6x Месяц назад +1

    Got out the Army in Dec 08, was a 11bravo. For the first 2 years, I loved it, my last year not so much. Being a rifleman in a infantry unit was rhe best and worst times of my life . Just now getting my life back on track .

    • @joehatten9171
      @joehatten9171 24 дня назад

      Man us grunts train like a MF...i was at ft drum ny. The 10th mtn div. We would do ftx in the snow too, still do PT in the snow ect. We mainly deployed to afghanistan tho. We deff earn that mountain tab lol

    • @joehatten9171
      @joehatten9171 24 дня назад

      Did u ever get a chance to go downrange and get ur CIB?

    • @williamsherman2776
      @williamsherman2776 18 дней назад

      How did it take you 16 years after being in the military to get your life back on track no hate just wondering most that get out it takes a few years but that’s a long ass time

  • @teresamartin8344
    @teresamartin8344 Месяц назад +1

    Deeply grateful for you and to you ❤️

  • @eugenew3616
    @eugenew3616 Месяц назад +4

    Thank you for your service. Amazing interviews!

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.

  • @joshuarogers8690
    @joshuarogers8690 22 дня назад

    I’m sorry brother. I was 1-12 cav scout in 06-08 that was my 2nd tour. you are not alone in pain.

  • @tryptaman4315
    @tryptaman4315 26 дней назад

    I have been here since episode 1, and this is the best one I have ever watched. This guy isn’t showboating or trying to be something he isn’t. He had a tough go over there, and he isn’t afraid to admit it. I think that’s the case with a lot of soldiers, but a lot of times they just put on a straight face and act like it never bothered them

  • @mckenataylor9777
    @mckenataylor9777 Месяц назад +2

    Wild that I am from avinger Texas and know all the places he talked about

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.
      As for Texas, thanks for enabling my suicide attempt in 2009, giving me 2A access when Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio turned me away.

  • @9thgenvids
    @9thgenvids Месяц назад +1

    If that’s the Texas Longhorn hat this guy’s got extra respect. Brave man right there.

    • @ChrisTopherBunnell
      @ChrisTopherBunnell Месяц назад

      Sad we wasted our violent bigotry in Iraq looking for "WMD's" when we were supposed to be in Afghanistan looking for Osama bin Laden. Even sadder is my rape was covered up with a bad paper discharge while serving those lies. I will never forgive myself for serving this crooked country.
      The 22 Veterans a day that commit suicide agree those words of fake gratitude are weak. America is #NotWelcomeForMyService.
      As for Texas, thanks for enabling my suicide attempt in 2009, giving me 2A access when Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio turned me away.

    • @williamsherman2776
      @williamsherman2776 18 дней назад

      It is lol not the best team but hey to each their own

  • @sidbobby3233
    @sidbobby3233 Месяц назад

    Thank you for your service 🙏👊✌🇬🇧

  • @snowroaches
    @snowroaches Месяц назад +3

    Fort Lost in the Woods, Misery.

  • @chocolatefrenzieya
    @chocolatefrenzieya 28 дней назад

    So what is proper protocol when your battle buddy damn near shoots your toe off while being a nimrod with his service weapon?

  • @williamwilson9283
    @williamwilson9283 25 дней назад

    👍💯🙏

  • @hemiguy9118
    @hemiguy9118 Месяц назад +1

    Yooo I’m from Marshall lol

  • @remydaitch9815
    @remydaitch9815 Месяц назад

    I went into every space as the #1 man, with debris (noun) as the descriptior of human beings.

  • @remydaitch9815
    @remydaitch9815 Месяц назад +1

    Had a bad pos medic too

  • @Bye_Good
    @Bye_Good Месяц назад

    Wish there were time stamps

    • @aaronhoward1111
      @aaronhoward1111 Месяц назад

      If you click on more in the video description and scroll down, he has put time stamps. They're just not in the actual video like some creators do

  • @wiormeable
    @wiormeable 25 дней назад

    Dude I appreciate your service, but why would you go on this site and admit you lied about your transcript from high school? Don't give the V.A a reason to take your benefits.

    • @thomasjames8246
      @thomasjames8246 24 дня назад +1

      Right. 😂 I heard that and I was like nah bro. 🤫 🤫 🤫

  • @tztz-h9h
    @tztz-h9h Месяц назад

    Donald Trump is Jesus Christ.
    The world is witnessing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America.

  • @remydaitch9815
    @remydaitch9815 Месяц назад

    No no you're too hyih

  • @gregkirk1842
    @gregkirk1842 Месяц назад

    I'm not sure if it's how rhis ieditrd, but it's really hard to follow this guys train of thought.