Please LIKE the interview to support Randall Parkes as we welcome him back a second time at Urban Valor!

He was my DI in 2011 with 2088. Even at 18 could tell he was a great dude and Marine. Definitely a small world. Marine Corps would be 1000 times better if there was more real ones like him.

Gotdamit Randall needs a podcast. Dude is a helluva storyteller.

I've lost count of how many times I've listened to this story... rocks every fucking time

He was my Senior DI in 2013, Golf Co. Lead Series Platoon 2066. You could tell he cared about the quality of Marine he was sending out to the fleet and bread war fighters.

This man spoke at my class during DI school on MCRD San Diego 4-20 and just coming from the daily schedule of DI school we get sat down in one of the classrooms and we’re waiting for a “class” on the recruit training order I believe. And we’re sitting down, sweaty and hearts racing, hearing coreframs hitting the carpet. Outta nowhere see a long haired 1stSgt take off the campaign cover and hear 1stSgt parks say “what’s up😀” and we didn’t think he was serious and say again “hey guys, I’m a chill dude I’m not a DI school instructor I wanna just have a talk with you guys” and seeing a leader like this is 100% what the Marine Corps needs, so chill and firm at the same time. Was honored to be around his aura.

So glad he’s back!!!! His stories are my favorite!!!! What a true hero

If I was a Marine I'd want this dude next to me. Randall you're a good man

I’m not sure what you do for a living, but you could probably make a living public speaking and telling your stories. I could easily sit & listen to hours of the stories and experiences you had. Tons of respect for your path and what you all did. I wish you the best.

We need a Recruit Resper Sit down.

This guy is literally the representation of what america should be. So much heart, honest and just a clompletely pure soul. You will never top this guys interview

I went to boot in San Diego in 2013. And afghan was still big and I'm glad my drill instructors took their job as seriously as you did.

What a decent honorable man . Anyone calling him friend is lucky.

Goddamn Randall, you fucker. Had me choking up when you broke character to save your interpreter and his family. Well done to you all for making that happen, brother. Much love to you all for being the true American patriots in those last days in uniform.

What a bloke, a amazing storyteller and has such a positive character about him. Thank-you for you service.

Mr Parkes. Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I am the Mom of a 20yo recruit who has been at MCRD SD for two weeks. (0321) I had six days to metabolize my son’s decision to join the military and understand his MOS. I knew very little about military life before a couple weeks ago. I am learning! 😮 The Urban Valor videos have been teaching me much about what our Marines go through and the meaningful lessons their journey brings. My son has led me down a new path! The more I learn the more I am humbled. I thank you and your family with all of my heart for your choice to defend our nation.

This is a good dude, may he live a long and happy life. He needs his own podcast where he shares his military stories.

This dude is sick AF. In a good and wholesome way.

Glad you shared this story. My parents are refugees from the vietnam war. You are truly a man of your word when you say your going to help someone get out of hell, you keep your word and you do just that.

God bless this dude, what an excellent American and Marine. We are a better country for having him. This is, for me, your absolute best episode I've seen.

Much respect to all the guys who launched operation Pineapple Express and did whatever they could to save our allies. God bless all of you

God damn I’m in the army but he is the definition of leadership!!! Reminds me of a CSM I served with! I wish him nothing but success and glory in this life & in the next!

So much respect for this man. From the grandson of a ww2 Marine vet I'm forever grateful for your service

This is the absolute BEST drill instructor, I had one damn near identical with his games. He had notes (allegedly) and every day you'd hear, "Recruit _________, training day 34 you scratched your nose in formation, get on my quarterdeck!" Or some other random infraction to get smoked for stemming back to day 1 and lasted until graduation. SSgt Windle and all my instructors live rent free in my head and will forever lol.

This dudes energy and charisma is awesome 🤣🙏🏻

This dude a living legend ❤️ Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸

He went to the absolute fullest potential he could have to help others in need when they were at their worst times in life. More pain and suffering than most all of us Americans could ever fathom. Glad I stuck around to the end of this video to hear about how he helped his interpreter and his family escape that horrendous environment. He seems like such an amazing man, and I would love to personally shake his hand to thank him for his selfless service. He truly is a hero, and I wish I knew more people like him in my personal life.

after watching both segments I have never been so proud to earn the title United States Marine !

That is crazy. He was in boot camp during 9/11 and terminal leave during the withdrawal

Randall Parkes and those smiling pearly whites returns! If anyone didn’t listen to his previous interview you have some homework to do! Welcome back top! Great to see you! Never thought you were that gunny, but we all saw that smile, heard that laugh and know how you enjoyed sadistically smoking those recruits. What goes around comes around. It’s just part of the process of building the next generation. Twenty years later they make for some knee slapper quality memories. Looking like a badass at 4:49. Side note, didn’t realize Pedro Pascal worked for the agency back then. Any way to help First Sgt. Parkes help that Afghan family?

As a San Diegan Army Vet, I feel so proud to hear this story. I just hit my 21 yr mark and soon I will hang my 👢 as well, hearing this Marine tell his experience towards the end of his Great Career brought me to tears. God Bless this Marine and His Family

These are the types of videos I like to show my son. Proudly, my son says he wants to be like me, a Marine as well. I tell him to shoot higher and become a man like Randal. I was a go getter but it almost seems fraudulent to call myself a Marine when men like Randal walk this earth. SFMF!

Randall!!! Please write a book accounting for your role in the rescue of all those people! "Bro-Call" would make an excellent title.

Parkes is the epitome of a Marine. Great interviews and stories. Semper Fi

That story at the end, you deserve at minimum a Humanitarian award.

Why does it make me happy to see a Marine in a Hawaiian shirt? Something about that laid back look while knowing he has ruined so many days for recruits. Duality

Man I am more teared up about this!!!! Whoooo I miss being around people like this who “get it” ! When we were pulled out we definitely left more than equipment behind. We left way too many who had risked their lives along with ours to take this opportunity to make Afghanistan a better place for everyone. Thank you for your service Randall, thank you for allowing this interview. Thank you for helping all veterans remember why we serve.

I’m here from the first interview!! This dude is awesome

Good story 1st Sgt appreciate your service and dedication to our country. I served from 1997-2001 with 2nd Battalion 4th Marines with my Identical twin brother. He ended up serving for 15 yrs and got out as a Gunny. You would have definitely be someone we’d hangout with and have a close relationship with. Hope your retirement is going good…take care Marine and thank you again for sharing your story!! Oh I forgot to tell you in boot camp at MCRD in Lethal Lima we were both guides of our platoons. Me 3007 and Jason 3004

This dude is beyond awesome, you can tell he is living life to the fullest and enjoying every second of his time on earth. Just from the stories he tell and the way he speaks he draws you in and has you wanting more, so to say the least hope he finds his way back on if soon has his own channel. Thank you UV for bring some of the most amazing individual and their stories to light. May this channel have a place on YT for some time to come.

This Marine is awesome 😂 There were some serious points obviously, but also lots of laughs 🤣 Man I miss my time in the Corps. Semper Fi 🇺🇸

Love this guy… hes what a real Marine is all about… God and country and all about humanity…. Tough and a full heart… this 1970s Marine is proud to know you are part of the Best… USMC

This is a bad ass guy. Love the vibe, stories, energy. I know that Afgh family is very grateful to have met him

This man is a hero !!! If he wrote a book, I'd buy it.. Hell of a storyteller.

It’s guys like Parkes that make me proud to be an American. Thank you!

What a wonderful human

Thank you for everything you’ve done Randall…especially for Marouf and his fam. You’re one solid ass quality dude and I love your energy. Cheers!

Thank u for your service, i was an Afghan American sergeant in US Army, so many juicy war stories OMG

That was the most incredible episode yet. I’m exhausted and all I did was watch. So intense. This podcast is the absolute best thing going right now. Especially cool with a lot of these guys being from the IE and SoCal.

This dude is hysterical!

I found your channel with a short of the First Sergeant. Shared it with a friend, who retired a few years ago. CWO3, from Pendleton. My friend knew the First Sergeant. He said the First Sergeant was not only a Bad A** Some B*tch , but a great Marine. High Praise Sir. I know you don’t need my approval. But I still would like to Thank you. For keeping my Family and I safe. God Bless.

I was army. But everything this guy has said especially in regards to basic training is spot on. I remember my drill sergeant his name was SSG Vincent Wilson. First time I ever hated someone yet equally loved and respected them. Looking back on all that happened i laugh. There were so many times that sucked being in but looking back on I cry in laughter. I can still hear his voice to this day 26 years later. The man beat me. He savagely broke me down into a primordial ooze and rebuilt me into his spitting image. PT was my issue specifically the run. Never had run before... Kept failing the run portion of PT tests. It got to the point the important either you graduate or wash back phase came. I remember it freezing and starting to snow. He came up to told me to strip down to my shorts and shirt. Off I go. That run I was so scared. I ran as fast as I could. Last lap, last turn last lap I started projectile vomiting. I could stop. I was so scared of not passing I stopped trying to turn my head into the grass and just ran with puke going everywhere. You know what I made it. As soon as I crossed the finish he runs up on me and screams at me that I made it and to not stop moving and to walk fast to get my heart rate down. I still remember our last inspection before graduation as I stood there at attention and he looked me dead in my eyes and spoke to me for the last time. He literally in the short time we were there did more for me than my parents ever could have. He set me up for how to win. I will never forget him. Ever.

Was born at MCRD San Diego as a Marine brat and we eventually ended up in my teens at MCRD Parris Island. Didn’t sign up myself (felt I’d served my 20!). But have the utmost respect for men like you who served. Dad was in for 32 years, 20 enlisted. 12 as an officer. Retired as a Major. Younger brother started as a very proud Marine and retired as an E9 in the Air Force. Truly appreciate your service (And theirs). Agree Parris Island kinda sucks but I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. Met some of the most amazing people I’ve ever known as a brat living in base housing with the DI’s from PI and their families!!! Happy you’re living your best life.

This guy inspires me to join the military and become a great soldier & leader giving Captain America vibes fr I hope he gets more interviews in 2024! 🙏🏽

Randall Parkes, I don't know if you're aware of this, but you truly are a warrior for God and one of His Angels here! You played an instrumental part in saving that family and those women. God bless and keep you. Those of us that count, are extremely proud of you!

That pressure is why drill instructors have such high burn out. I could listen to your stories all day.

Thank you for your service 🇺🇲🙏🏻💪🏻🇺🇲

Solid, genuine, a man's man. I can see your soul, and you are great. Thank you

Yes brother! We never forget that sacrifices wich your guys are did to us Bro your the hero Ones again Thank you 🙏

Randall Parkes what a character, great story from a real nice guy.

Randall Parks, I'm deeply grateful for you and to you ❤️ Thank you for helping your interpreter and his loved ones. Please extend my deepest gratitude to him for helping us.

What he said about Drills is real. Im 47 years old. See ed in the 82nd Airborne. Still remember my drill sergeants. I will never forget what they did to me and for me. Drill sergeants Theous, Bullu k and that old guy that was so scary i don't remember his mame : thank you

You're a good man Randall. From one vet to another.

God bless you Sgt Randall and USMC and all our translators. 👍🙏📿🇺🇲

Man I was glued to my seat for this! So happy he was able to help save those people! Semper Fi!

YES! You read our mind bringing him back semper fi

Thank God in Heaven that you live in America......and that we have soldiers and men like Sgt Parks who keep it free.

Thanks for your loyalty and service ! God Bless America 🇺🇸 !!!

Movie pitch: “Randalls Gate”- the humanitarian mission of your life.

Amazing storyteller and he's really genuinely funny.

One of the most interesting and inspiring stories, humorous, but the best is getting your interpreter out of Afghanistan, all the hoops you had to jump through. Awesome story!!

best episode!

Love this dude's energy!

This guy right here, I could just sit and listen to him tell stories. What a legend, full of energy.

Bro. That extraction story had me on the edge of my seat. And when FSgt Parkes started to crack, it made me crack too.

One of your best interviews and one of my favorite interviewees…👊🏻🇺🇸

You can tell this man was a great leader in the military. I had a nco like this man in the Army and he is currently going to the Sergeant Major academy, I will say its leaders like this that not only make an impression on your military career but your life.

Great dude, solid marine and an amazing human being. Randall bro your dope

I could listen to this dude tell stories all day! Semper Fi 1st Sgt

Randell Parks.... I Thank You from my Soul....

Semper Fi from an Air Force guy! What a heart of gold!

That's amazing, Randall, you are an outstanding Marine, and a great man

I’d love to hear my old ssgt I served with story on here. He was an amazing marine and leader and I know he went through a lot in Ramadi

These interpreters who faithfully stick the necks out for western countries during times of conflict deserve the best we can do when things go ass up like Afghanistan in 2001. I'm not that familiar with any help the federal government threw their way at that chaotic time. If I recall correctly they did very little. I know they cared little for all the equipment left behind. I can't give this informal military network enough praise for what they did in helping interpreters who knew people at the right time. I know many must have died in the chaos, but this is such a nice story to hear that Randall's interpreter made it to San Diego and now is settled in the city with his family. It's awesome.

Some of the Best Things i think ive done... to help people... trying makes a difference

What an amazing story teller. And the fact he still gets choked up talking about Afghanistan and the horror shows so much respect. God bless every soldier out there to help get people out. Can’t believe after all these years that’s what happens in Afghanistan

I don’t “like” many things on KZfaq, but this is really a great story. Grateful for men like this who have sacrificed their life to make sure we have a safe place to live here in America. So many people take it for granted which is a damn shame. Keep on keeping on brother!

Amazing stories! I served 2008-2014 in Little Creek VA under NSW, and enjoyed guys like Randall at the command. When life was hard and everything sucked, it's guys like this who make you smile and keep pushing. Love the fact he went out on a big win getting that family out. This is the kinda guy I'd grab a beer with. Suns out, Guns out Randall.

We are called upon by God to be an angel to help those in dire needs when you are in a position to do so.,Randall,you are that angel for that family. Thanks for your service for our country. We need more citizens like you on this great country of ours.

He's true dude great one love his stories

I cannot do justice to what this man has done. What an incredible story of him amd his heroic brothers. Amazing. Blew me away man. Respect sir 💪🙏

One tremendous Marine!

Awesome story, Devil Dog! Great video, Semper Fi, Brother! Made my day! Starting with memories of Parris Island and finishing with rescuing your friend. And, man, I miss SanDiego! Blessings from an old Marine in Maine.

Randall is someone I’m proud to say is a fellow American. He is the kind of guy we should all strive to be.

The best people you meet in life are the ones who don’t look for easy duty. God bless! Thank you for making videos like this. It’s a ray of light in the dark, lazy and entitled world.

It's an honor to know you, and Heather.

You are so awesome for finding a way to save that whole family. God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service.

Awesome interview! I was in AFG in 2002-2003 and 2011-2012 and his recollections are great, I have become bored with most brocasts, but this guy nails it!

This makes me want to stay in, contemplating getting out next summer

Good to see you on here again. Keep smiling!