Marine Veteran’s Path from Dangerous Housing Projects to Boxing Glory

[@UrbanValorTV]

✅ Click "LIKE" to show support for Rich and/or Urban Valor! ✅ Click "SUBSCRIBE" and turn on "All Notifications" to never miss a weekly episode! ✅ Comment to show your support or as questions below!

[@therichreeves]

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! Seriously means a lot and I’m hoping someone else who might be going through something can find value in it.

[@seanmcelroy9774]

Bro honestly thank you for sharing your story, I’m about 20 mins in the video and I love how you talk about being grateful. I am a stepdad, so I understand what you’re talking about. It was a tough transition for me, especially because when I got with my wife, I was coming back from Iraq in early 2009 (I met her on MySpace when I was deployed. I used to tell people I met her through my friend Tom because back then it was still kind of dorky to meet females online). So I was dealing with integrating back to “normal society” and then I went from being single to raising two kids (3 and 10 at the time). It was hard, so I give my respect to your stepdad. But yea bro just wanted to say thanks, and I’m gonna continue watching this.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you Brother for sharing your story with us. It was an honor Bro 🤙

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@Huitzilo3thechamp]

Thanks man It brightened up my day 😂

[@patrickgreen2361]

Fellow veteran. Your story is very inspiring, relatable. You’ve explained with words what so many of us have experienced, what we feel. Thank you, good luck, and Semper Fi!

[@AndyT-np8mm]

"If you're a nice man, you're probably not a good man - unless you're a good man first who chooses to be a nice man." ❤

[@vegasmarine23]

Seems like we have a lot in common. Former 0311. My biggest regret was getting out of the Marine Corp. Your story was informative and gave me so much to think about. I believe your new career in boxing will be a complete success. Show them what a Devil dog is all about. Thank you.

[@arthurp-er1yz]

So many stories, i can relate to on this channel. So much so, i binged last weekend, 4am- 1am following morning. (Insomnia). But, this Marine had an early life similiar to mine. Nearly evything from "Fat n Short", "Fightin alot", evryting except for crime.Dad was borderline abusive discipline, haha. I can laugh now, cuz it was all beneficial given my lack of self disc.,confidence, bully target etc. All remedied thanx to my Dad. There are two forms of Love: the kind that ruins,the kind that molds into a man.I appreciate this channel. Very therapeutic. Thank you guys.

[@JayDi17]

I initially arrived here to support you, but then I realized that it's actually a very interesting story. Well done!

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@rayseyeoman7540]

Such a fascinating guy. I could listen to him talk forever. I wish Mr Rich the very best in life and with his health.

[@tonybiello7464]

Makes total sense that today there nowhere for strong men to go. Stay on track good luck with the new you and your new path to follow. Respect bro!

[@UrbanValorTV]

Appreciate it brother 🤙🏼

[@d.rcarrera6599]

I thank you for your complete integrity and honesty. I grew up in a housing projects, low income neighborhood. The vast majority of people would not understand or relate to why and how people are pushed into a corner with no other options. Sure, commit crime or do not commit crime and do your best. I went to the Marines not because it was my saver; I went in because I wanted to change me. Like this Marine, I saw much, too much and how many normalized poverty and crime. Like this Marine, I also studied and earned my university degree. I have learned many realities about people and life. I learned I had to map my way in life; no one was going to do it for me, not even the Marines. Again, the average person would not understand.

[@therichreeves]

Really awesome to see people like you who can relate and find comfort in a story like mine. Seriously appreciate you sharing your story here as well!

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@d.rcarrera6599]

@@therichreeves I grew up in a Chicago housing projects. It wasn't by choice but circumstances. We had a neighborhood gang; people doing drugs and alcohol, daily; young teenage girls getting pregnant; people getting shot at; many in the neighborhood did poorly in school, a great deal had to do with all the stressors of their homes, neighborhood, and having to go to school with emotional instability and impoverished lives. I was about 17 the first time I saw someone use heroin in front of me; I saw it again about a year later. I learned that the neighborhood was going to be there even if I left. I had to change me, not the neighborhood or the people in the neighborhood. There were some good childhood memories, that is until about 15 when most kids were being peer pressured. I was not good at being bad. I still had a sense of respect for others. It was my environment, in particular my psychological one. Where I didn't want to be there anymore but was too poor to go elsewhere. Until, one day, I moved out. Living in a boarding place for single men. One day, I ran into someone from high school that had joined the Marines. I decided to do the same. The rest is history. I was an 0311, deployed on three Westpacs, Honorable Discharge and completed my degree. I did end up working with delinquent youths for many years. I have no major complaints. It worked out. Take care brother, don't allow external distractions affect you internally. Stay focused.

[@JustaUser82nd]

Man, this story is great! Motivational. I’m gonna repeat this video another time

[@therichreeves]

Seriously appreciate that G! Seriously means a lot!

[@UrbanValorTV]

💯💯🙏

[@hangtough285]

I forget what General said it maybe Chesty but Rich don’t forget the mission of the Marine Corps is two fold…to make Marines and to make great citizens…you didn’t go to war you were ready to if necessary…but you definitely fulfilled the second part brother…our country needs more men like you.

[@therichreeves]

“the country needs more men like you” is the greatest compliment you could have given me. I seriously appreciate you brother!

[@UrbanValorTV]

💯🙏

[@rachelderks4639]

This is one of the best videos, i have ever seen, i am a civilian not military, especially like what you said, when you said everybody has to have a purpose,I couldn't agree more.I especially like what you said,educational systemAnd how it doesn't fit everybody.I have a physical disability,Since I was born and one of the things it affects the most what did the most. Was my education,. That that is my biggest regret.I have tried to find my purposeIn my volunteer workhere in Ottawa Canada.But sometimesThat's even hardtoo,to feel useful I congratulate you on all you have accomplished . most of all thanks for your service

[@dustinblanchard3358]

What a strong sole. I wish the best for you reeves

[@therichreeves]

Seriously appreciate you brother 🖤

[@chunky9791]

Great interview! 2:52 23:23 as a man w a abusive dad he's spot on.

[@therichreeves]

Seriously appreciate you saying that brother! Glad you found the interview meaningful

[@kumakaroshi117]

Thank you for the video and thank you for all the hard work.

[@therichreeves]

I appreciate the support 🖤

[@roberttimby]

Thanks for you sharing brother. I can relate to you going up poor and join the Corp to get out of dodge. I did 6 years in best time of my life. Regret every day after getting out. Its hard to relate to people who had it soft in life. Thanks again brother take care of yourself!

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thanks for watching- Take care brother

[@Playmaker10472]

Nahhh you know it’s a good interview when you don’t even need to talk to them and they just go 💪🏽 Cool ass interview Fr and cool dude

[@therichreeves]

Seriously appreciate that comment brother! Glad you found it entertaining

[@UrbanValorTV]

💯👊

[@ant_ignorant]

90s baby Gloucester raised me!!! We are far from Boston! Were on the NORTH SHORE! Everyone know me… We dont know dude

[@therichreeves]

It’s interesting to me that the only thing people critique is the geographical distance from Gloucester to Boston even though that had nothing to do with the interview. The interview is about veterans’ mental health and bureaucratic roadblocks inhibiting assistance in our transitions… but we want to focus on how close constitutes “close” which is purely subjective and irrelevant to the story. Thank you for the compliment of focusing on semantics, implying that you could not reasonably challenge any of the actual difficult and significant topics discussed in the interview.

[@UrbanValorTV]

💯👊

[@derekcollins8927]

Never heard of him and we know it was not all that bad as he says 😂😂 anybody from the area can tell man Is clout chasing shit ain’t mass ave u don’t see people shooting up on the street in riverdale of all places 🙄

[@joekell-it1wk]

exactly...40 miles "just north" of boston..."most violent" housing projects too lol...I should take this dude to Bromley Heath in Roxbury someday so he can see what actual projects look like

[@ant_ignorant]

⁠@@joekell-it1wk You most likely aint from Health either…

[@dohc22h]

My MOS school was at Ft. Lee Virginia also.... 1391 Bulk Fuel

[@JoeyMacAvoy]

Good stuff Rich! - Sgt. Mac, USMC Veteran

[@therichreeves]

Really appreciate you brother 🖤

[@peanutbuttawaffle]

this guy is a wordsmith. and i relate to your childhood. thank you for speaking your truths and documenting history sir. it’s inspiring

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏💯

[@geoffsmith76]

Lots of similarities between our broke ass hungry childhoods as well as the tough transition to become a civilian. Literally took me years after just 4 years as an 0311 in the 90’s. SEMPER FI my brother! Glad you made it through… whether it was pretty or not..

[@UrbanValorTV]

SF 🤙

[@Juicejunkie409]

And that’s why I will always say people are built different. There’s a good 45% for good hazing and the rest forget about it.

[@janicehannon341]

I served in the USMC from 69 1973 transistion to civilian life was rough I started working construction jobs right away I think being outside working hard with your hands being around other men was good for me . Being around college kids after the Corps would depress me too

[@therichreeves]

Definitely was not the best move going to college but I had similar problems in all of my other jobs as well. From cook to armed security, commercial painting to warehousing. It was all just mundane to me personally

[@UrbanValorTV]

Hope you are good 🙏

[@d.rcarrera6599]

Reeves, if you are reading this, whatever you do, try to be objective in what I am going to mention. I grew up in a similar neighborhood, sometimes I think it really was more dangerous than I understood it to be. But, I also, like joined the Marines and moved on with my life. After my four years in the Marines, I also moved on. Reeves, your neighborhood remained the same, maybe more riskier. I am reading between your lines. You took a major risk that could have landed you in prison. I don't know any veterans that would have taken the risks you took, zero. This leads me to believe you still have unresolved family and life issues. Many people do. Civilian society may or may not care about veterans. It really depends on who you are dealing with. I had many who didn't care that I was in the Marines. Ultimately I had to learn that it should only matter to me. It was my experience and not anyone else's. Boston may not change so you have to GPS for other opportunities outside of Boston. The Marines may have halted your reenlistment; move on, move forward. You found structure that wasn't part of your life before joining. You also returned to the same environment when you left the Marines. I also went through depression when I first got out of the military. I didn't have the understanding of the why. I am very thankful I got out of my rut and stayed away from certain psychological environments. I hope you come to the full realization, when you are ready, to make other changes. Relocate to where it will work for you. A Navy friend from Baltimore couldn't land a job in California and almost lost it. He joined the Army and also met a good woman whom he married. Stay strong. Find good help. Never give up.

[@therichreeves]

I appreciate the intentions behind your comment, but I mentioned that statute of limitations had already expired from what I discussed and that it was almost a decade ago, so I have already moved on. Also, I mentioned that I now live in California several times so I already relocated years ago. And I’m happy to hear that you don’t know any veterans that turned to the streets, but 6 of my veteran friends had-more than had not actually-so in my reality it was very common.

[@AndyT-np8mm]

​@@therichreevesRichard, am listening avidly to your story. Would love to meet you if you ever visit Central Europe (I live in Hungary).

[@garybraswell6571]

You are on point friend. Learning to live for others is one of the major missions in life. Thank you

[@williamwallace3057]

honestly i think hazing was the more fun part of the military - early 90s here.

[@Juicejunkie409]

Buddy for one going up north you’re going the wrong way for the booger sugar😂😂😂

[@larrymccalister4922]

You are awesome 👌 👏🏽

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@tonyberner9931]

I respect this man. But I feel like this is the first episode where I disagreed with a lot of the narrative.

[@therichreeves]

The whole point of these discussions is to open a dialogue so I’m happy to hear that! What parts of the narrative do you disagree with? Maybe I can clarify some things or you can steer my worldview a bit

[@brandanwilliams1973]

Glouster is not like that he’s official tho loool

[@johdirt7843]

I typically don't say anything that is not in support, but any admission of suicidal ideation is an automatic DQ in the Marine Corps. Just dealt with it with one of my poolees.

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@therichreeves]

That was the thing though, I never mentioned suicidal ideation. I just said I was having a hard time finding another job that could compare to the military

[@johdirt7843]

​@@therichreeves As a recruiter, I will say it is about the entire package. I don't have your file in front of me, but you would need a waiver for the head injury, your knees (which you stated in the video is still a problem area), and then potentially a waiver for the determination made by the mental health provider in the call you made (if not an auto-DQ). Mental health providers can make determinations pretty fast. Even if you didn't make a direct admission at that time. They may have very well written that into your file. That is A LOT to overcome, even for someone that is prior service with an honorable discharge. On top of that, MHS GENESIS pulls everything from your medical history in the service now. So they knew everything, even if they didn't say shit to you. The comment I made was in regard to a 18 year old that went to a mental health provider with suicidal ideations years ago and BUMED came back with an auto-DQ. The kid's mother was livid. You have to look at it this way. You currently have a 0% disability claim with the VA. If you reenlist or commission and it creates further medical issues, then the VA is on the hook for your medical care if you wind up medsep'ing. They have the ability to fight you tooth and nail right now and probably will if you try to get the disability rating changed. They do that with almost everyone and it is honestly an abomination. Plain and simple, it becomes a math equation. It absolutely stinks, but I know what BUMED will glance over and give a waiver for and what they will not. Your medical history is a hard sell unfortunately. Take care of yourself brother.

[@gunsforevery1]

That’s not the only thing I watched, I’ve watched at least 3/4 of your interview. Definitely agree with the looking for thrills. I didn’t sell drugs or scam people but definitely took part in risky behaviors to get the thrill and adrenaline rush. The world isn’t built for veterans anymore. Since I’ve been out for 10 years I’ve just seen it get worse and worse out there.

[@gunsforevery1]

Absolutely true about the combat arms thing and getting out. Nothing can compare.

[@ryancagerbaker]

Hey I was just thinking… I know you typically interview individual veterans but I just had this idea maybe consider doing interviews with career veterans that served 20 years or more in attempt to give insight into what they might have in common and what it takes to be a career service member. I don’t know maybe it’s something people would like to know. Thank you.

[@gunsforevery1]

I saw the short and wanted to see how you were hazed. That’s not hazing. That’s just fuckin with the new guy, and everyone is laughing. I’ve seen people getting hazed while in the Army. I was combat arms. I’ve seen people extremely fearful to go to work the next day because they were getting physically assaulted. I’ve seen senior E4s and E3s make e1s and E2 stand at parade rest for hours until they pissed themselves just so they could be made fun of for “not being men” for pissing their pants. That’s hazing. Sexually assaulting people “as a joke” is hazing. Fucking with someone until they kill themselves is hazing. Having someone in leadership single someone out and having their peers physically attack someone at the behest of senior leadership, is hazing. Hazing is bad. Fuckin with people and everyone has a good laugh? That’s team building.

[@tonybiello7464]

Stay strong brother!

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thanks brother 🤙🏼

[@e40597]

Im conflicted with this episode. Hard humble beginnings and seems to be a motivator while in the Corps but then literally throws every ethos the Corps taught him out the window to peddle poison and con people for self gratification. Seems like he's still lost, hope he finds a long term solution for his struggles.

[@therichreeves]

I would argue the word “gratification”; it was more out of desperation than it was fun or gratifying. But I largely agree, I also had a conflict within myself around this time which is when I explained that I got out of the game and turned to fighting

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏

[@e40597]

@@therichreeves Only used “gratification” because you mentioned the only reason you did it was to satisfy your need for an adrenaline rush. But hey you’re on to greener pastures 👊🏽

[@TeethOfDead]

Dudes literally why folks make fun of MCMAP.

[@Juicejunkie409]

You will always be a marine become a EMT or a paramedic. Or you could become law-enforcement.

[@traeyoung8397]

@ Urban Valor.. Could we get a interview of yourself ?

[@UrbanValorTV]

It will happen soon. Thanks 🤙

[@gopnikstyle9148]

Dude, this was sick! 🥲🫡 to end 2023 i definitely needed this. Whenever you think your life is a mess listen to people like this. People like this were born into Hell and came out on top NEVER give up.

[@UrbanValorTV]

💯🙏

[@josephvega3763]

Fuck yea

[@gunsforevery1]

You also mention you are currently a sergeant in the reserve component. Don’t think the USMC reserves would take too kindly to you admitting you sold crack cocaine whether you were convicted or arrested for it.

[@tigerleoneinc.9282]

I know, right? They should just delete this episode, for his own good.

[@robbyrobinson4500]

He said at 7 he lived in the projects. Then said his dad called him downstairs. Projects are 2 story apartments?

[@therichreeves]

I lived in the projects from roughly 2-13 years but yes some are 2 story. Depends on the housing authority that you’re living under

[@UrbanValorTV]

Just depends where you live Brother @robbyrobinson4500

[@tigerleoneinc.9282]

It's rare to find housing projects on the East Coast that aren't 2 stories and above.

[@Huitzilo3thechamp]

That's how I been feeling like I been in a war my whole life so might as well go to A real War and see something better 😂

[@UrbanValorTV]

👊🤙

[@robbyrobinson4500]

I've got perminate brain damage, I got it from a hip toss. Know I get a free check every month. Crazy how that works

[@therichreeves]

You get a check every month? I gotta talk to your doctor because I don’t 😂 I’m still at 0% despite permanent tendonitis, ITBS, brain damage, and spinal/neck problems

[@wildbill60]

Semper Fi

[@UrbanValorTV]

Semper Fi 🤙

[@melkerandlefin9324]

Yeahhhhhh I don't believe this dude much. Not once have I questioned a video. Til this dude. Lmao

[@teetedm1]

I’m still listening to this story. But I have some sentiments that might help with your perspective on things. First and foremost, nobody cares that you’re hard. I mean that in the nicest way possible - because nobody cares that I deployed back in 2011, either. Nobody cares about the things we all did in the Corps unless it helped them directly. That’s reality, and it’s something that you can’t control. So, if you want a “get off of your ass” tasker, start with learning to accept your own decisions in the face of a society that doesn’t care. Own the fact that you choose to be hard, but be clear about the reasons why. You chose - consciously or not - to be hard for 330 million people. You chose to put your body into harms way so that greater population didn’t have to. Own that decision. Stay dedicated to it. But remember who you did it for, too. It wasn’t just you, it was them - critics and fanboys alike. Just remember when someone recoils from that mentality that they are just as important as the one that basks in the essence of it. Then, I want you to take a deep breath, and internalize that edge a little. “One mind, any weapon,” comes to mind. It doesn’t make sense to mindlessly point a weapon at anyone. Take that attitude and hone it that can help those same 330 million, now that you’re out of uniform. I see a lot of potential in what you can bring. But it doesn’t make sense to abandon the thing you’re willing to defend because you can’t communicate with it or make it understand you. You don’t have to go “soft,” you have to go “functional.” Thanks for sharing your story, from one junkyard dog to another.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you for sharing your perspective brother. Appreciate you watching. Let me know how you like the video once you finish watching brother🤙🏼

[@teetedm1]

Dude, I fucking love your channel. This video was interesting but I’ve been watching religiously ever since I found out where all the Shorts I was seeing came from. You’re doing amazing work for the veteran community. I use a lot of these interviews as good example of things to try and watch for. All of my friends (except one or two) are out, now. I’ve lost a lot of buddies to suicide so it’s helpful to hear success stories. Keep doing basass work, bro.

[@williamwilson9283]

👍

[@G.Harley.Davidson]

Another thing to take from this as prior service if you are re-enlisting don’t tell the MEPS Doc SHIT. Make them dig to find out any disqualifiers. GENISIS is for new initial enlistments on their first 8 year contract, so dot tell them you’ve ever taken anything, or seen a civilian Doc. Or VA Doc for anything. That’s my experience .

[@liamlynch2115]

This channel is ruining my life. I can’t stop binging, during work, during dinner, at the gym, with the kids, in bed!

[@philipschifano5876]

Bro start a company for vet mental health. Where vet’s can talk to other vets. “In silence”

[@SLY1SLICK3WICKED]

Pog

[@Robert-ky4vx]

Facts

[@N3VIUS]

So what was the stepdad's dream before he got with a single mother and ni thqnka then turned to selling drugs instead???

[@johnyang6969]

apologizing to every tree for wasting the oxygen they produce... YEP he's 100% no doubt a marine vet because that's the type of hilarious fuckery shlt they do to you and you'll remember it for the rest of your life and laugh about it at old age

[@RolexDSSD]

Yutttttt

[@UrbanValorTV]

🤙

[@ejd7881]

you overtrained man

[@spartan117conn]

I’m curious couldn’t he join the French Foreign Legion?

[@G.Harley.Davidson]

So what does the military want you to do if the anguish you suffer was caused by something that happened in the military? Make a claim to VA and apply for VA benefits, only to be denied?

[@MichaelSMITHERS-xv2ow]

80 or 90 more times ….. typical Jarhead BS story like the I only joined because I tore my ACL I had full scholarship to aD1 school. Bahahaha and yes I I was marine and heard them all. Just be honest u failed out college or u wanted tk see the world but NOOOO they all had to lie.