Show notes
She came to America at five. She became a Marine. What happened next will stay with you.This week on Urban Valor, we dive into the story of Gunnery Sergeant Kimmy Lamano, a Filipino-American immigrant who rose through the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps while carrying the weight of trauma, silence, and survival.From growing up in Manila and Hawaii, to surviving a convoy explosion in Afghanistan while teaching Afghan children, Kimmy’s journey is one of grit, honor, and post-service healing. For 18 years, she served her country in combat zones, humanitarian crises, and as a trailblazing female Drill Instructor.But it wasn’t just the battlefield she had to fight on. It was the return home, the invisible wounds, and the struggle to find purpose beyond the uniform.💥 Hear how an undocumented TBI and PTSD nearly took her down — and how she came back to serve again, this time through her nonprofit Fidelis Outreach, helping veterans and communities around the world.🎙️ This is more than a Marine Corps story. It’s the story of an immigrant who became a leader, a survivor, and a voice for others who suffer in silence.👍 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 – Surviving a Convoy Blast in Afghanistan01:19 – From Manila to the Marine Corps02:52 – Early Struggles & Learning English05:29 – Life with Her Marine Stepdad06:13 – Decision to Join the Marines09:01 – Brutal First Days of Bootcamp12:53 – Injury, Rehab & Staying the Course17:42 – First Deployment: Hurricane Katrina23:06 – Evacuating Beirut, 200626:49 – Becoming a Resilient Leader30:45 – Combat Deployments & FOB Life34:42 – Teaching Afghan Kids on Deployment38:30 – The Blast That Changed Everything43:39 – Lingering Effects of TBI & PTSD45:51 – Fulfilling Her Dream: Drill Instructor49:32 – Transforming Recruits Through Training53:18 – Behind the Scenes at Parris Island56:28 – Wrapping Up Her Military Career59:42 – Civilian Transition & Mental Health1:04:10 – Founding Fidelis Outreach1:05:43 – Giving Back Around the World#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories