About this episode
Army Infantryman Will Jones didn’t get a slow start to his military career. He got thrown into the fire—checking into his first unit mid-deployment… in Baghdad. No stateside prep. No easing in. Just boots on ground, rifle in hand, and mortar fire exploding around him. In this Urban Valor interview, Will shares what it’s like to be a brand new 11B Infantry soldier landing in a war zone without any time to train. His story is one of chaos, trauma, brotherhood, and survival. From Baghdad to Hurricane Katrina relief to a second 15-month deployment in Iraq, this episode is stacked with combat stories, dark military humor, and brutally honest truths about PTSD, reintegration, and what it takes to keep going. If you’re looking for real veteran stories, Iraq war combat footage-style details, and first-hand experience from an infantry soldier in the kill zone, you’re in the right place. 👍 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. Video chapters: 00:00 – Thrown into Baghdad: Will's First Day 01:20 – Life Before Enlisting: Starbucks & 9/11 04:47 – Enlisting as Infantry (11B) 07:38 – Checking Into Baghdad Mid-Deployment 12:26 – First Firefight Experience 18:02 – Learning Through Chaos: No Time to Train 22:45 – Humor Amid War 27:13 – Hurricane Katrina Relief Deployment 33:57 – Back to Iraq: Second 15-Month Tour 40:18 – Combat, Brotherhood & Daily Threats 46:05 – PTSD, Reflection, and Healing 53:41 – Advice to Young Veterans 57:32 – Urban Valor Mission #military #warstories #urbanvalor #usarmy #warstories