A Warrior’s Story | US Army Green Beret Veteran Matt Pech 🇺🇸

This week’s Urban Valor episode features former U.S. Special Forces Green Beret, Matt Pech. He’s the Founder of Ruck for Vets and Lead Advisor for Hard to Kill Fitness. Matt talked us through fond memories of his military service. From rocking out in Afghanistan, to thriving off the adrenaline rush from conducting missions, to remembering a good friend and warrior he served with. Matt also speaks on how he continues to serve by giving back to the veteran community and how he keeps a strong mental state of mind. In this interview, you truly get a glimpse INSIDE the Green Berets and what incredible and heroic stories Matt shares with us! Not only will you hear some history of the Green Berets, but what it takes to become a Green Beret. Enjoy listening and watching as this Green Beret tells stories that are absolutely incredible to hear, as well as this may inspire those wishing to become a green beret!
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[@daltonjohnson9278]

Met this guy at a bar called JD's in San Clemente, California, and he convinced me and my 0311 boys to go on a hike to Huntington Beach the next day. I believe I had duty the next day so I couldn't go, but my buddy went and said he was super glad he did. Matt's a great fuckin dude man

[@PrimeJarvidian]

😊😊😊😊 3:21 😊😊😊

[@sheilalarkin1291]

Let us not forget the 151+ Green Berets that disappeared in Cambodia and Laos. My first husband did 2 tours as a door gunner flying the Green Berets into these countries. As long as I’m alive I will not let the American people forget Vietnam.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Hi Sheila, I love to feature veterans on our IG page @urbanvalortv I'd be happy to share about your first husband and write one of his stories up for him. Feel free to reach out to me there or email me at [e-mail] Thank you!

[@sheilalarkin1291]

@@UrbanValorTV Neither of my husbands speak about their experiences. The war came home with them and even after 55 years they are still battling their demons, both psychologically and physically.

[@petemitchell6788]

@@sheilalarkin1291 This is Matt’s story. Make your own video if you’re so passionate about it.

[@DevilFrog61]

What the SF guys did in Vietnam (and the flight crews who flew them) is UNBELIEVABLE…the odds they faced were insane. That’s the legacy and heritage of the green beret no one will ever forget those legends

[@ethanschlong4662]

@@petemitchell6788 🤡🤡🤡

[@tracyhazelton1878]

I could hardly breathe while listening to this man's story. I can't even find words to express my admiration for him and everyone like him who risks life and limb to keep the rest of us safe and secure. Hat's off.

[@RyDawg918]

This guy did not fight to keep us safe or free. He fought on behalf of American financial interests

[@northsacramento916]

Matt and @UrbanValorTV thank you for your service and sacrifice in order for me to have the freedom to call out and if I’m lucky one day slap the spit outa peoples mouth, who disrespect our service members and veterans that put it all on the line for there fellow Americans! You guys have my gratitude and appreciation for all that you’ve done!

[@Worstpersonsingular]

@@RyDawg918Yes, but they are not mutually exclusive. This indirectly relates to our lifestyle. We destabilize regions, install leaders, kill people in certain areas to maintain military and technological superiority. Our military power and financial interests afford us the opportunity to live how we live. How could you not see that those are related?

[@beeflewis7325]

Matt emerged as one of those hidden heavy hitters that are sprinkled around our society. The service brings those talents forward. Thank you Matt 🇺🇸

[@UrbanValorTV]

🇺🇸

[@petermooney2016]

@@UrbanValorTV as Q a

[@heylovers7362]

I was supposed to go to sleep. Now I'm five interviews in. Interviewer is amazing. Story is great. Preciate ya Matt.

[@brettbaker8357]

Lmao right, same since I found this channel

[@jameslopez958]

I come from a Familia of War Veterans! Thanks for sharing These Stories Sir! My Familia Veterans Say Stay In The Fight 💪. 🙏✌️❤️

[@cotystiehl7260]

Eric, thank you for your sacrifice and for fighting like a true warrior..... And thank you for your brother Matt here telling your story and spreading your legacy. Men like you shall not be forgotten....

[@johnmorganjr769]

Iraqi freedom vet here. 1ID-30 BCT, 2004-05. I feel every word bro., thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🇺🇸

[@richardsanjose3692]

Better respect you for going and doing what they told you. But as we all know in retrospect and you too, I'm sure it was all bogus and a waste of money. More importantly, a waste of many of our boys lives, but you can't pick your politicians cuz it ain't a democracy

[@wish-i_warsocks2074]

That bit when he mentions how proud his granddeddy & uncle were of him upon receivin’ his beret, a small yet powerful moment of his interview. I only know anecdotally that it’s rather difficult to learn & know how to be proud of yourself if no one’s ever showed pride in you while you were bein’ raised..

[@jamesluster8473]

Thank you for letting these HEROS talk!!

[@KSCummins6.7L]

It never gets tiring hearing my brothers and sisters speak their stories! I worked with a few GBs on my last deployment as an augmented assest and I was blow away by the OP tempo they maintained and their desires to learn and give more. They are truly a breed apart from the rest

[@UrbanValorTV]

100 percent!

[@JTThayer]

Thank you for all you've done sir. Every time I start to think I'm losing my momentum and drive, I listen to stories like yours' and I'm back up on my feet again. Hopefully the next time I'll be commenting on this channel, I'll have passed BCT, and Airborne, and if I have, I'll be shooting straight for RASP. I wish everyone else striving for their goals good luck as well, because as I've been working for my goals, It's shed a new light on just how hard this point in our lives really are. Good luck, work hard, and play smart.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Let’s FKN GOOOO! You got this! Please let us know how it goes!

[@jonathanknopp363]

How’d it go?

[@JTThayer]

@@jonathanknopp363 I never wanted to be that guy but I guess I am. Genesis found a dog bite I’d gotten half a year prior and dqed me because it left permanent effects. However, it led to me finding a job I never knew would make me feel so fulfilled. I have been working as an apprentice glassblower for a few months now.

[@JTThayer]

@@jonathanknopp363 i know it sounds like a lot of excuses, but that’s just how my life’s been.

[@jonathanknopp363]

@@JTThayer You’re good man! Hope things get better 👍🏻

[@Juiceboxdan72]

I loved that bit about literally "getting kicked out" if you are afraid to jump

[@UrbanValorTV]

Right!?

[@deborahchesser7375]

Definitely hard to override one’s natural instincts to not jump out of a perfectly good aircraft. Thanks to all for their service 👍🇺🇸

[@ColKurtzknew]

Saw it happen at Ft. Benning jump school. Knees buckled at the door and went on her ass. Like he said the stack was being held up so the JM literally kicked the back of her chute and out she went lol. Then she got kicked out of the school

[@d.rcarrera6599]

Matt, I am not sure where to begin but let me this, thank you for your service and your candor. I have been out of the Marines for over 30 years and just viewing and listening your story is powerful. I am glad you and others made it home and my condolences to those who did not. Matt, your family also hit a chord. Many veterans come from challenging circumstances and we also meet more challenging in joining the military. I can completely relate to your family hardships. I have been. Army brother, thank you for your story

[@fj949]

Great story. On the topic of ptsd and TBI. I do have remnants of physical trauma in the form of migraines, insomnia, anxiety etc. but my biggest issue is not so much what I experienced overseas, or anything I did…it’s more the transition to civilian life that kicked my ass mentally, physically, and spiritually. Took me a very long time to find some semblance of peace & ability to come to terms with the changes in life having transitioned. On paper I was successful, inside I was dying. Almost cost me everything. Love these pod episodes, keep them coming, brother 🙏🏽

[@sarasjv44]

Sending you love and prayers for you to be immersed in the peace that only GOD gives! Glad you are here!

[@fj949]

@@sarasjv44 thanks 🙏🏽

[@sarasjv44]

@@fj949 🙏💓

[@billj9838]

Everyone of these veterans needs to be vetted again. Urban valor did a horrible job, verifying all of these veterans that are telling their stories. I’ve noticed they have taken at least one down of a retired Navy, veteran that completely fabricated his career.

[@ILB]

Wow great story and great interview Josh. This was so real and honest. Absolutely loved it. One of my favorites yet!

[@UrbanValorTV]

Glad to hear it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Hotc.ocklate]

​@@UrbanValorTV j 8j8j8j8j8j8j8j88j8j8 8jjj8j8j8

[@SteveJ-o3o]

Love the stories, I hope they realize how much unsaid support they have from us civilians. These vets r very inspirational ! Love the show, hate all the commercials every 6 minutes.

[@jeramizzle666]

Your joy and excitement is contagious! Thank you for sharing this.

[@johnc.7076]

I know a WWII Veteran, his name is Jim, he was a PT Cruiser Captain. He is 104 years old and he's not only mentally sound but amazingly.... he still playing golf every week!!!! I think he is a living LEGEND, LIVING HISTORY., and would be a shame seeing him pass away without being contacted and interviewed, so we and the next generations can have the opportunity to learn and be amazed by his story and experiences through the war and his life. Let's try to find a way to surprise him.... he deserves nothing less!!

[@UrbanValorTV]

@johnc.7076 send me an email [e-mail] or send me a message on FB or IG. Let’s try to make this happen- Thanks, Josh Urban Valor

[@javb115]

@@UrbanValorTV Did this ever happen? If so, what episode is it?

[@rickebrite5409]

Love this dude and hero yes he is

[@joshg1165]

Thank you for your service and continued work in the community brother! 🇺🇸

[@UrbanValorTV]

Absolutely! And great job Josh! You were great!

[@Kimmeranne]

Thank you for your service! You are appreciated more than you know ❤️

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you 🙏

[@masterm43]

Thank you so much for these videos. I’m a combat vet as well. Going thru it right now with the problems he faced.

[@shyamlynn243]

Great interview. Thanks Matt for continuing to be a warrior helping your self and your brothers. All the best !

[@jodimuse18]

Tryna keep my lurking on a schedule. Coz, every time I check for a new interview..... I'm all in❤ Bless every interviewy! I am forever grateful for you! For the sacrifices you and your families have made. Thank you for being the brightest North Star of a human being ❤

[@UrbanValorTV]

Appreciate you watching 👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼

[@thekidd8169]

Thank you for your sacrifice! Me and mine are forever grateful for you and your brothers.

[@kyleenterline6582]

What a small world! I was Bravo 2-58, BUSHMASTERS!

[@e3uphoric51]

I love the part where they all are jamming with the afghan band. Gotta enjoy all the good moments, even in the midst of many bad ones. Thank you for your service.

[@jonathansonnier3078]

Bro out in 2019… what an amazing call just befor the cluster**ck of everything going insane. Man thanks for putting It all on the line man

[@jasonwat6564]

Absolute TRUE Hero!! True Warrior!! Thank God for men like him!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🍻🍻

[@neilinthecut]

He looks alot like a WW1 soldier, i credit his mustache. Great interview.

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

That’s a 70s moustache

[@luci8749]

Thank you you are a great human being Sending you a hug and love Keep those endorfins flowing

[@tomkamau1247]

You die twice. Once physically and the second the last time somebody says your name. Never a truer word spoken. Lest we forget.

[@bobbyknobby494]

Incredible interview. Thank you for your service to our nation.❤ 🇺🇲

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@mikga45]

I spent 7 years in iraq and 1 year in Afghanistan as a contractor repairing and in stalling air conditioning units and air conditioning and helped rewire bases in Afghanistan both wars in combat zones. From 2004 to 2012

[@marquezlafontaine4186]

Much respect to Matt Pech, what a great story this was

[@UrbanValorTV]

Yes! His story is fantastic

[@vanoneal1116]

Shout out from South Africa , Green Berets have been my Heros ever since my dad showed me the John Wayne movie when I was a kid , respect 🫡

[@spencerbainter677]

God bless you

[@AllAroundAtlanta]

Thank you Sargent God bless you and your family.

[@georgemcaulay6009]

I can watch these all day always American Heroes

[@Ok-551]

No comparison to a veteran. But as men, if you’re a competitor, getting older sucks. I competed at the highest level of my sport, then traded in the Chicago trading pits and made nfl money in my 20’s. Then comes the marriage/divorce, soccer Dad, single Dad, reinventing yourself, mew careers, body failing, booze, pills etc. I can’t imagine coming off a service career like this, hats off to any veteran, because they did it for not for themselves.

[@tomkelly3896]

Thank you and all of our veterans for your service....best wishes✌ tomk fdny

[@mikga45]

Ait for infantry 11b10 was at ft benning. Basic training was ft jackson, SC.. i went in 1976. Did not know they had basic zraining at ft benning.

[@derekenz2140]

Facts. You get lost once you get out, it's the only life you know. The world doesn't know the brotherhood.

[@sima3495]

So glad I found this channel. Got out of the corps in 2021. Miss the f*ck out of it. Thanks for the vids I subscribed !

[@mamabren9]

Great story thank you for your service what a amazing man

[@UrbanValorTV]

He really is!

[@christiandavis4502]

I think this man's mustache won the war

[@UrbanValorTV]

hahahahaha

[@MyName-yl2nc]

Agree

[@rembrandtsalgado1835]

Rape stache

[@sheilalarkin1291]

Matt, we appreciate the high price our Vets pay. You all should be celebrated everyday for your sacrifices and the sacrifices of your loved ones. Let freedom ring🇺🇸Keep the faith. God Bless you🙏🏼

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you for your kind words, Sheila 🙏♥️

[@rayperez1325]

What a great interview. All of your interviews are really well done and very interesting. Thank you to all for your service! Much respect!

[@jamieb.7095]

Wow, what an amazing story. Matt Pech is a damn warrior.

[@Coppersaguaro]

Love this dude. Watching again. Two years later. 🇺🇸

[@Lpj4]

Thank you to all our Vets, Men & Women in Uniform and Active Military! We Need you here even inactive so just remember that. We need to hear your stories. At least from me, I appreciate each and every one of you more than you will ever know!! I wanted so bad to serve and had a small opportunity, went after it and it was taken away from me. So hearing your stories helps me. Thank You 🙏🏼 🇺🇸 🫡 Hang in there! I wonder if Matt has a Channel

[@Zero_Siete_07]

This man is a Treasure

[@secondgear6079]

Watch this once a week ,badass point blank thank you for my FREEDOM

[@UrbanValorTV]

🤙🏻🇺🇸

[@harrymartinez4555]

Inspiring!

[@adamkushner5240]

Thank you Mr Pech for your service and to all Veterans God bless you and be safe 😊

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@theultimaterockmusicalviet9310]

This is the real thing, Heroes All! GBY!

[@UrbanValorTV]

Yes yes yes!

[@up6out36]

Love you brother 💙😎

[@UrbanValorTV]

🤙🏼

[@wadeboothe4397]

258 The House of Pain!! I was up the street on the left 3-47!!

[@anthonywingate1879]

That sleeve is fucking sick. The Odin and raven.

[@UrbanValorTV]

The work on his legs is dope too! IG @theoperationalathlete Matt Pech

[@Based_Shogun]

Guy's a real one!

[@UrbanValorTV]

💯

[@Natureboypkr2]

The JTAC Committee approves of this message. Great story man!

[@RolexDSSD]

Let’s go!! 🇺🇸

[@UrbanValorTV]

What a great story! Thanks Rolex DSSD!

[@johnnysprocketz]

Respect.

[@JROT207]

My favorite interview so far. I really like this guy. Came a long way in life and still kicking ass. Stay YOU my Brother 🤜🇺🇸🤛

[@billvasileff3897]

Would love to see his pics from the night playing in the band dressed up.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Great idea, Bill! Let me see what we can do about getting our hands on those!

[@darkhorse6829]

While on deployment I lost a great friend that was serving in another unit 5/73 CAV. his name is Tim Cole, SGT, 1ea. I did his hero mission. It was heartbreaking... Remains were in a fucking sandwich cooler.. I got the story from his Colonel and two enlisted that were there when it happened. some time after I broke my back in a Blackhawk crash on 7/11/07. The ones that haunted me were the close friends I lost after I was medically retired. Terrifying nightmares about their death would ruin most nights sleep. I was alone.. My girlfriend at the time was a real bitch about anytime I tried to memorialize them. She was toxic and it really did not help my grieving process. I still have ice run through my veins when I think of the crash scene photos. I was able to navigate my way to the Army website for crash scene investigations and wish I hadnt. I think about them everyday. I've lost almost everything in my life at this point. Pretty fucking I have found a friend in hate.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Wow man, sorry you had to endure all that. Shoot us a message on IG @urbanvalortv if there's anything we can do to help. If you're willing to contribute your story we'd be honored to have you. Stay strong 🙏 🇺🇸

[@darkhorse6829]

@@VictoryisCloseUA fuck ukraine. I'm not siding with nazis that have been conducting an 8 year genocidal civil war. Ive been paying attention to ukraine for many years. Truth is we caused this with bullshit meddling. So, I say, let Putin do what he is doing. It will bring peace to the region once the nazis are crushed. Not my problem I dont care. They made their beds, now the can lay in it.

[@Kimmeranne]

Thank you for serving. Please get some help, your life is so worth it. Can’t imagine what your going through but reach out to someone and live the life they didn’t get the chance to. Praying for you 🙏

[@victorioojocaliente2928]

You knew what you signed up for. Get over it

[@michaelfrench3396]

You gotta live the good life that your friend didn't get the chance to. The greatest honor you can give him is to do something with your life that makes you happy. I hope you find the strength to get some helping getting happy again. Your buddy's gonna be pissed if you don't have some cool stories to tell him when you see him later.

[@mldadzgaming3938]

i love this guy, what a proper interview. Fuck yeah

[@mattjack3983]

When he said: "Drill Sgt Shaughnessy" My brain immediately thought: "O-SHACK HENNESSY" 🤣🤣🤣

[@UrbanValorTV]

Lol

[@Blumack21]

Thank you. Andy

[@35t10b]

I barely remember anything from my first jump. I was in the 82nd before i even remember thinking clear thoughts before a jump

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Another amazing story of overcoming obstacles and succeeding. These guys are our countries future decision makers its important our leaders know what war is. What are the chances that one rock with writing on it landing in the truck..jeez.

[@user-ht7mn2sy8e]

Great content. Keep up the good work

[@SBALL140en]

Salute🇺🇸

[@aewhatever]

I would love to read this guys book

[@Mike-zp9wu]

Oh my God Matt the calling card reminder was the most nostalgic thing I've had brought back to my attention in a long time! I've been away from home since I was 14 in military high School Military College you name it plenty of years away from the home and I was born in 1980 so cell phones didn't even enter my hands until my Jr year in college. Those things were a necessity for a guys in that environment. This was a great interview and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us and even more so your service to our great nation.

[@jimcantswimveryfar]

Thank you for your service Matt, I'm guessing you already do Crossfit but if you don't Matt check it out you will love it.

[@UrbanValorTV]

You can follow Matt on IG @theoperationalathlete Matt Pech 🤙🏻 We appreciate your feedback!

[@DEADINSID3.]

Yo bro just found your channel. I hit the sub immediately after this video

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you 🙏 🇺🇸

[@marcosnunez9285]

I don’t know why but I liked this dude’s attitude in the first 5secs of the video… 😂💪🏻

[@bchhh4079]

Great story can not wait to join !!!🇺🇸

[@UrbanValorTV]

🇺🇸

[@milanodolzen1899]

RIP Eric Edmond, I remember doing you FLIPL after your death and been on your funeral as well.

[@Monmorrangr]

Hey Matt! Long time no see. Good to see you’re doing well brother.

[@nickslezak9500]

Veterans should try jiu jitsu. Should get a lot more relief from grappling art or striking art then from lifting a weight.. happy to help and direct those who want to in the right direction

[@johnnysprocketz]

They do.

[@burnssy112]

That rock story is crazy

[@Mrsmt19]

Husband has the brain and physiological injuries of TBi and toxic Chem exposure. He kills himself with physical exertion bc he says it’s a different pain than he lives with every minute, and loves a different pain even if it is excruciating. He was not supposed to make it past 2020 and physical exertion, ditching meds and focusing on God family and hormonal balance has kept him here. He follows A protocol by Dr Mark Gordon, changed a lot for him on top of just being the mentally tough sob he is.

[@thevet2009]

Salute

[@Hazardx88]

Love it 🪖🇺🇲

[@50450720]

Can you increase the volume on your interviews, they are a bit quiet. Cheers.

[@mikga45]

Infantry did not have black beret when i was in at 1976. Airborn had beret

[@fredsmith8930]

WoW

[@UrbanValorTV]

What a warrior!!

[@70stunes71]

Amen brother. 💪🌠👍

[@HarrisonFord11]

I was C 2-58 at sand hill in 09

[@anaMoc1038]

He has the face if you met a Brit in the trenches of WW1

[@joshuahotstuff7522]

It amazes me that twerking videos have more views..

[@UrbanValorTV]

Haha! We're excited to continue to gain momentum and grow! The future is bright!

[@Yeshuamaiden144OOO]

I don't normally twork but I might reconsider for this literal hero. 🏳

[@williamwallace863]

It's amazed me since I was a little kid how what most ppl think about and value is stupid.

[@_bobbythaprophet574]

Right!

[@kilakr13]

Why? Americans are dumb AF !

[@jasonwinter8716]

Jezus, this is the kind of guy you want on your side.

[@Zero_Siete_07]

Amen

[@dougstitt1652]

I for one am glad you didn't smoke ur self . keep your head up !

[@Blake-x1d]

"Private milo!! ya French fu*&*" lol me

[@mikga45]

Air born school has ground week, tower week than jump from plane 5 jumps

[@brucemolett9843]

The guy is a low-key baddass. It kinda' felt like the stories he told were just the tip of the iceberg.

[@juliem1595]

You are quite the inspiration Matt! These kids these days are wimps! Thank you for your service

[@DonnyBrook762]

A true warrior.

[@UrbanValorTV]

🤘🏻🇺🇸