Retired Marine Sgt. Major’s Firsthand Account Leading Marines in War

[@A-A-Ron-22]

Sergeant Major Hidalgo- was my Company First Sergeant at Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego. I served as a Drill Instructor under his leadership. Even after he PCS’d he’d still call me on my birthday. I ran into him at the Naval Hospital on CPEN and we asked how my wife and three kids were doing. Remembered their name and everything. Awesome human being! Semper Fi!

[@bige2259]

This guy just dropped the most important info and wisdom that all young men need to hear and learn , all in the first 10 min of this video. All young men need that discipline and guidance

[@michaelallen1154]

@bige2259 - what lessons? He had a lot of help from a structured "parental upbringing" getting to where he got. Who is supposed to learn what lesson here?

[@bige2259]

@@michaelallen1154 lessons ? Did I say someone learned a lesson ? No . But I did say that all young boys/men need discipline and guidance, life is hard and it can be really tough. Young boys/men can really benefit from being shown they aren’t fragile little creatures that will break . They need to be challenged so they know what they are capable of . I guess the lesson is don’t be a sissy

[@michaelallen1154]

@@bige2259 by lesson ... I was referencing your line about "wisdom that all young men need to hear and learn" - that is the literal definition of a "lesson."

[@bige2259]

@@michaelallen1154 did you actually listen to what the man said ? Or did you just come to the comments to troll ? There’s more than a few people who agreed with what I said and saw/heard it the same way.

[@dd-uj8jx]

Like Chata

[@USMCATX]

I don’t often comment on KZbin. But this guy is the real deal. Especially talking about combat vets versus non combat vets. I’m a combat vet but it’s just timing, that’s all. Well done urban valor. Semper Fi

[@UrbanValorTV]

SF 🤙🏼

[@bluedog101c]

True. During boot camp the first thing our DI told us, " about every 10 years the marines go out and find shit to blow up." We are about due.

[@funstuff2006]

"The law has teeth, and it *will* bite" is a great phrase.

[@GIGUNS-0341]

He's going to be the guess speaker at our Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Semper Fi Sgt.Major Hidalgo.

[@stevenperez6045]

Semper Fi Sgt Major Hidalgo. You were my drill instructor, MCRD San Diego, Alpha Co, Platoon 1059. Graduation date 09/14/1990. Much respect, you are hard. I would follow you to hell and back.

[@YourLoyalHighness87]

Love this ❤

[@antjb7641]

❤

[@E_4mafioso]

You have to edit your comment cause he hit the prints in April 1994

[@stevenperez6045]

@E_4mafiosowhat? Dates are 1000% correct.

[@fusion310]

Retired Marine Sergeant Major Juan Hidalgo, thank you, sir, for your words and protecting us. You are a man with deep convictions. I also live in SD and got your back, sir. Much love from an Airman.

[@thebeachguy6697]

This Marine is a USMC legend right here. I retired from 10th Marines in 2015 and we had a few tankers lat move into 0811 and nothing but great things were said about this man. This Marine is the embodiment and fabric of what a Marine is. Semper Fi Sergeant Major.

[@reuben5570]

I have watched most of your episodes. This interview is close to the top, keep up the great stories. 🇺🇸

[@UrbanValorTV]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@paulolenski9431]

Pride of the Marines - Makes us old-timers from Vietnam feel good to see the Corps is in such good hands. Semper Fi, Paul O - 1st Recon Bn., Phu Bai/Hue City, 1968

[@UrbanValorTV]

SF🫡🤙🏼

[@alvarof84]

Great man and great marine, had the pleasure of serving with him when i was mobilized to gitmo 10 years ago working at the detainee camps Great example of what a marine is, and even though i was an E4 and he was a sargeant major, he always took the time to interact with us

[@UrbanValorTV]

🙏 Semper Fi!

[@antoniochavez8892]

Sgt Major Hidalgo is still serving our great nation and community. He is the reason my son’s are excelling in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi is not a catch phrase for Sgt Major Hidalgo. It is how lives always faithful. He has not stopped leading since the day he retired, he is just leading in a different uniform.

[@shrimpbadgids]

My dad was 82nd 173rd and man I'm here crying at work when he mentioned watch how a kid from a military family stands when the national anthem is playing and the understanding of why. That was me as a kid and no one understood why. Thank you for this God bless you.

[@georgepobi3531]

SgtMaj. You are truly Chingon...Semper fi Marine

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thanks 🤙🏼

[@jonhenson5450]

DAMN. Trophy Lounge, I know he's for real. LoL. Memories! CAMPEN to Tijuana, dollar nights at the T Lounge

[@Refr619]

All the Auties that use to be there. Lmfaooooooo

[@jonhenson5450]

@@Refr619 aunties ?

[@Matchload]

Another outstanding interview. The format is something that other interviewers can learn from. Just allow them to speak, without interruption. Main stream media can learn something from Urban Valor. Share the content. This channel deserves much more recognition than it receives. SF

[@Jewjitsu_]

The gig line on that suit… squared away

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Thanks Sgt. Major. Excellent channel 👍

[@YourLoyalHighness87]

7:02 as I’m watching and listening to him, I can’t help but feel like his presence, his vibe is that of demanding respect, respectfully lol if there were three words to describe him (in my opinion obviously) it would be strong willed, confident, and hard-as-fukkkk and I just love it. He just oozes confidence and integrity just by being him it’s great! Lol I absolutely love people like him cause I’m someone who has a hard time trusting people, so I just love people you know you CAN trust without a shadow of a doubt

[@valdi6599]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS STORY, CRISTIAN DIAZ IS MY SON AND A WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS. 🙏

[@wordword6039]

Marine 1983 - 2009, DI in San Diego 94-97. I loved my time in the Corps and can absolutely attribute any success I had to those SNCO' and NCO's from Vietnam and just after. My father in law was a WWII, KOREA and Vietnam vet Marine. I made the mistake of complaining about the Marine Corps (ONCE). I grew to absolutely love that man. My DI's were no joke either. The first time I saw men take other men and dare them to make a move.......dare them. Some did and it was a big mistake. They were hard men and made really good Marines. Much Respect SgtMaj!! Sounds as if you and I literally walked the same ground and barely missed each other. Drinking the same water. We ran convoy's across Al Anbar and to my memory every single convoy found or hit IED.......every single one. The impressive thing was allof the Marines did so well. Truck drivers, MP security, mechanics, comm kids, Log Marines. They all did what Marines do. It was inspiring to see every Marine a rifleman. Semper Fi!!

[@charlesdavis7940]

What a great leader and deep, fascinating man. This is the kind of leader every Marine wants and needs. 👍

[@UrbanValorTV]

Appreciate it

[@mariogomezcortez9901]

Ooorah! SgtMaj. It was a pleasure to serve under your leadership. May God bless you, May God bless your family, May God bless the United States Marine Corps and May God bless the United States of America. Semper Fi.

[@dragonusmc0311]

Outstanding SgtMaj tipping one back for you tonight. Semper Fi......

[@UrbanValorTV]

Right on🤙🏼SF

[@carneasada8695]

Gracias Jefe. Ya se la sabe. A sus ordenes mi Jefe 🫡

[@UrbanValorTV]

Gracias 🤙🏼

[@Unomaximus]

Love this channel. Especially when the subject is/was a senior enlisted. Great insight for a junior enlisted like myself. Thank you

[@UrbanValorTV]

Much appreciated!

[@thebeachguy6697]

My moustache was belligerent. That is so goddamn awesome. Lol

[@josephtizol9695]

Wow! That was great. I was in E 2/3 88-92 and would’ve loved to serve with this man 🇺🇸

[@mikedmarquez]

Sergeant Major, it’s been a while. It’s good to know you are well. We met on MEU 11.

[@mikedmarquez]

@erics362Semper Fi!

[@markmorgan3091]

Remarkable experience thanks for your time,help,and service, I would love to get deeper into your experiences, semper Fi

[@UrbanValorTV]

Much appreciated🤙🏼 SF

[@BeDangerousGroup]

Feel so blessed having listened to this. Don't ever stop doing these interviews! 👍🇺🇸🪖

[@UrbanValorTV]

Appreciate you listening 🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼

[@reydub6868]

True Gentleman, the attire tells it all.

[@joer5627]

Thank you, Sir. I was humbled by hearing your story

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you for watching

[@Whatcha_Gonna_Do]

I was in the Marines a little before Sgt Maj Hidalgo's time (78-82) This is the kind of Marine that makes me proud to say I was a US Marine. He clearly exemplifies the highest standards of the United States Marine Corps and I have no doubt, once elected he will be a very consequential Congressman. Semper Fi Sir... Rah!

[@UrbanValorTV]

🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼SF

[@LS-sx5qo]

How squared away do you want to be? This guy: Yes!

[@marlawyatt7449]

Thank you for your service! Powerful video

[@UrbanValorTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! And appreciate your support 🤙🏼

[@benfromalbuquerque6083]

Come on over to NM. Lots of filming out here and you’ve got a movie in you. We got this other veteran here, Wes Studi. I could see you and him making a helluva Western!

[@billymadison8036]

That low reg is on point

[@94Whiskers]

From an infantry Marine....OIF2 Falluja Nov 2004...Oooorah Sgt Maj!!!

[@UrbanValorTV]

🫡🤙🏼

[@joereyna3992]

Semper Fi SgtMaj thank you for your service.

[@UrbanValorTV]

Appreciate the support

[@VeeinBerkeley]

🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡 THIS Man is a true LEADER of men 🙌🏾

[@pd2210]

What a great man!

[@UrbanValorTV]

Thank you 🙏

[@sandan500]

Semper Fi my brother. I was a Marine 67 - 73 and Vietnam 68-69 (TET) my experiences were much different than the SgtMajor. It was a different time and a very unpopular war at home. I am sure he is a good and honorable Devil Dog. Maybe the Marine Corps leadership has improved over the years, I truly hope so. Sgt Major Hidalgo is a prime example of good leadership and they need more of his caliber. I left the Corps and joined the Navy Seabees and retired as a Master Chief (E9) because I like the military structure and people. I just did not care for the Marine Corps mantra of doing more with less which is always ends up worse for the junior enlisted. We always had hand me down helos, equipment, weapons etc which was worn out. Hard to do a good job with substandard equipment. Unfortunately, the mentality among E5 and below rank was "Us vs Them" especially when not deployed overseas. I do praise the training I received which kept me alive more than once.

[@antoniochavez8892]

Sgt Major Hidalgo is still serving our great nation and community. He is the reason my son’s are excelling in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi is not a catch phrase for Sgt Major Hidalgo. It is how he lives always faithful. He has not stopped leading since the day he retired, he is just leading in a different uniform now.

[@jethrox827]

Haven't seen too many tanker stories 👍

[@skyislands5540]

Gen Z and millennial men, here is your example of what men should be. I served in COMNAV AIRPAC at North Island this often came up.

[@iamnotfooled4972]

This is one squared away Marine and American. Wisdom exudes from every pore.

[@kenlandon7803]

Great guy! You can see he was a great leader of Marines.

[@Shamilt3]

Great talk smaj.. Semper-FI

[@internetbadboy7053]

bruh nah fellow from an army airborne service member. thank you for your service.

[@MrNewman7336]

This was my battalion SgtMaj! YatYas SGTMAJ!!!

[@frankpizarro6285]

Fantastic human being. " hail o infantry "

[@mario6279]

I’m from National City very rare to see someone from SD let alone nasty city. Most people are from LA when in Cali. I’m in the Marines I only know two people from SD

[@rolandhicks1874]

OTNC. I grew up in nasty city, Sweetwater. Class of 63.

[@mario6279]

@@rolandhicks1874 that’s a very old gang that’s still active to this day. Most people have no clue that the gangs in San Diego are just as old as Los Angeles dating back to the 1920s

[@FetalWarhorse]

Same cool to hear him talk about the city

[@d.rcarrera6599]

I agree with retired Sgt Major Hidalgo's "Servant Leadership" focus..This is appears to be an evolving concept from traditional leadership and actually makes more sense. The WMD connection was finally reported to have been erroneous and faulty by the then President of the United States. Thomas Ricks has written a trilogy of the Iraqi War, and there are other authors as well. I liked his comment that we all have to come home at some point. Sgt. Major Hidalgo did over 31 years and probably 90+% of wives wouldn't deal well with all the deployments and different assignments; at least this was the case when I was in.

[@dougstitt1652]

Great listen. Inspiring Marine.

[@shawnwaters87]

holy shit. Sgt Major Hidalgo was the Sgt Major when I EAS'd from 3rd AABN. Thanks for signing my papers. YAT YAS!

[@dirtyhomestead3649]

I was with 3AABn when I got out in 97. When was he there?

[@markmorgan3091]

The corps would have been the best thing for me when I was young,61 now n things are a lot different

[@Killa91115]

Where do we find such men. USA all the way 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@henrywilson5204]

Semper Fi Sgt Major, 1965 to 1974, SSgt, Vietnam

[@UrbanValorTV]

🫡🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼

[@bluedog101c]

38:48 oh that Pizza Box.

[@PreacherOfTheWord]

Whatd id give to serve under a leader like this. Rah

[@ronaldzion4505]

Semper Fi Brother

[@anjalijah]

SAN DIEGO IN THE BUILDING

[@anothermike6140]

FNG's to the infantry used to get e-tool 'qualified'. 😂. They'd have to chop something up with an e-tool blindfolded. We'd slip there cover in while they were swinging.

[@Shamilt3]

Hazing errr umm fng training since 1775 😂

[@Dylan-e3t7f]

He was my Sgt Maj at 3rd AABn. Called me out in battalion formation for bumping my subs on base. 😂 Besides that I don’t remember anyone saying anything bad about him. Loved to be around his Marines, He was a good man and leader from what i remember.

[@MrNewman7336]

YAT-YAS!

[@dakzillablaze]

I went to like this video, but realized that I already did

[@Darryl-u2f]

Iam 69yrs old Marine! 0331 2/9 ! Cpl. HANEY! INSPIRATION! SIR! We called them "lifers" . God bless you sir! 😅

[@Darryl-u2f]

Peace time Marine Crops "sucks"😢

[@wesmatson5921]

thank you sir >>>>>>

[@UrbanValorTV]

Much appreciated

[@hiroshi138]

Shout out to San Diego...and the Trophy Lounge! 😂

[@wildbill60]

Semper Fi

[@UrbanValorTV]

SF 🤙🏼

[@VectrZ]

I have kids now 23 I wanted to be a marine my whole life, I'm stuck at a crossroads, I want this structure and duty to my country but I feel stuck. Sacrifices, hard to tell which sacrifice is the right one

[@muzien87]

you gotta follow your heart. the thing about being a marine is that long before you even think about joining, you will already know if you got it in you, if you really got it in you then you will go, explain to your family that you have a calling that needs to be answered. yes it will be a tough shift in life style but if your heart is truly in it, you will go. if you keep sitting on the fence and cant talk yourself into it then dont join. its no shade your way or anything, do it or don't

[@d.rcarrera6599]

If you are 23 years old and have children, you have priorities. Children are priorities. Your wife is your priority. A military commitment is far from easy. I did four years in the Marines as an Infantryman and I was always busy. Luckily, I had a wonderful girlfriend that I pray is doing well in life. She gave me much happiness especially when I felt all I was doing was going uphills. Prioritize what is important. Keep a vision or ideas clear and realistic and obtainable. Create a plan and keep it organized.

[@615misfit1975]

The military is NO PLACE for a father. That’s first hand experience.

[@aesonmoritz2100]

@@615misfit1975 Bullsh!t... One day soon we will need men like @VectrZ who want step up to have to defend their way of life. @VectrZ you should do it if you don't you will always have that regret in your life. Look at joining the Marine Corps Reserve. If you like it then go full active.

[@E_4mafioso]

You're damn right SMG.Hildago we did find WMD. You don't hear or read about it...EVER....EVER. Its politcal. And he's absolutely telling the truth.

[@antjb7641]

A real one

[@EfiLiveLB7]

Dang, i knew a Marine who quit on everyone, refused orders for the meu the week before they boarded ship.

[@smittysmitty481]

Semper Fi SgtMag! Get sum!!

[@robertkelly5359]

80s kids were built different

[@BLRANCH0300]

Trophy Lounge! lol

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

The only reason people take up arms is to defend their homelands, a soldier's first and only duty is to the people they love nothing more nothing less, if you are enlisting for fame, glory and riches, your just a mercenary, the problem with fighting only for wealth and other rewards is that your get to the point that if your interests align with another you might see fit to remove certain officers and state officials, we call that the Praetorian Guard,

[@williamwilson9283]

💯👍🙏

[@UrbanValorTV]

🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼

[@chrismair8161]

Heya Gunny!

[@papabear9608]

When did you change your name Johnny

[@johnnythan8791]

I work with his dad.

[@GLB991]

The lighter ad is a rip. It requires butane. they know that they are misrepresenting the product. So does KZbin, Google and Amazon. Don't fall for the bait and switch.

[@joer5627]

Google only cares for the revenue.

[@mountainadventures7346]

Thank you for your service!🇺🇸🫡

[@rolandhicks1874]

Su-Hi

[@jurmilotay6118]

34.02...thats the difference between US soldiers and PLAs

[@chrismair8161]

His "Job"? Teach you to stay alive.

[@fame130]

Ooorah

[@RolexDSSD]

YuT!!!!!

[@ashog1426]

Is this guy really arguing that we shouldve invaded Iraq 😂😂😅

[@ASTRO_NAUTIKAL]

first rahhhhhh

[@0311-z2c]

First..rah back!

[@CosmicFckUp]

Devil Dogs! Rahhh

[@SemperFi-rz9ov]

SFMF!!

[@jcbbb]

This is a red white and blue blooded American Marine to the core. Respect Semper Fi Maj Hidalgo