Скачать или смотреть Inside Wounded Warriors Family Support: Marine Veteran Martin Duarte on War, Loss & Leadership

Marine veteran Martin Duarte sits down with me for an honest, unfiltered conversation about service, loss, leadership, and the mission he’s on now with Wounded Warriors Family Support — an organization dedicated to helping combat-wounded veterans and their families rebuild their lives.

Martin’s story starts long before the Marine Corps. He grew up between Mexico and the United States, came to the U.S. at the age of 12, and eventually enlisted as an infantry Marine at 19. Over the next three decades, he served across multiple eras of war, from Fallujah to Afghanistan, witnessing frontline combat, changes in rules of engagement, and the shifting nature of modern warfare.

After retiring, Martin turned his focus to the challenges veterans face at home — navigating the VA system, accessing disability benefits, and learning to accept help. That mission eventually led him to Wounded Warriors Family Support, where he now helps veterans receive modified vehicles, mobility grants, caregiver support, family services, welding and career training programs, and financial education to stabilize their lives.

If you’re a veteran, a caregiver, a family member, or someone trying to understand what service members carry after the uniform comes off — this conversation matters.

⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

Early Life & Immigration
00:54 – Coming to the U.S. at 12
02:47 – Growing up in Mexico in the 70s
05:09 – His first impressions of America
06:31 – Mexican border towns & safety issues
10:30 – Schooling before coming to the U.S.

Military Service
12:20 – Lessons from early military service
22:58 – Enlisting in the Marine Corps at 19
27:02 – Boxing
28:19 – Why infantry?
30:47 – Mentors in the Corps
31:59 – How Marine Corps promotions work
36:01 – Reflections on 3 decades of service
40:30 – Changing rules of engagement (2008–2009)
45:24 – From war to hearts and minds in Iraq & Afghanistan

Veterans Issues
56:36 – Misconceptions about VA disability
02:33 – Supporting veterans after service
15:08 – How Martin joined Wounded Warriors Family Support
22:31 – Understanding VA stipends
25:10 – Modified vehicles & the “Mobility Is Freedom” program
30:01 – Leadership lessons guiding his work today
31:22 – How to get veterans to accept help

Closing
40:42 – Advice for veterans & caregivers
41:52 – How to apply for Wounded Warrior Family Support programs