Juan Perez’s story doesn’t start in the military… it starts in the streets.

Before the Marine Corps, he was involved with gangs, running with the wrong crowd, and heading down a path that only ends one way. Then he made a decision that changed everything...he joined the U.S. Marines and became an infantryman deployed to Afghanistan.

During one mission, an IED detonated just feet from his team.

One of his closest friends was hit... losing both legs in the blast.

Juan shares what that moment was really like… the chaos, the adrenaline, carrying his friend out, and the reality of war that most people will never understand.

But this story isn’t just about the explosion.

It’s about what comes after.

The brotherhood. The guilt. The memories that don’t go away when you come home. And the reality that a lot of veterans don’t know how to ask for help.

If you take anything from this...check on your people!

👍 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.

Chapters: