82nd Airborne Fighting in the Arghandab Valley | William Yeske

<p>Today we have our second account of the brutal fighting within the Arghandab Valley in Afghanistan from Will Yeske, a former 82nd Airborne RTO at the time. Will went on to write the book Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan.</p> <p>Will recounts his experiences fighting and surviving in this brutal location in Afghanistan which takes place at the same time (and just across the river) from the same experience faced by our former guest Andrew Bragg who was in Charlie Company. The IEDs, the suicide bombs, and more come to life in both this interview and the book. </p> <p>Since leaving the service Will has gone on to write two books and, despite initially dropping out of college, now has an Ivy League degree. When many other kids in their mid-20s were partying and living it up, he elected to serve and, one year later, found himself fighting for his life. I'm sure you're going to enjoy the multiple combat experience Will shares with us in this episode and, if you're like me, will be getting your own copy of the book.</p> <p>Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at <a href="https://www.combatstory.com/newsletter">www.combatstory.com/newsletter</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Find William Yeske Online:</p> <p>Book https: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657">https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657</a></p> <p>@damnthevalley on social</p> <p>William Yeske on LinkedIN</p> <p> </p> <p>Find Ryan Online:</p> <p>🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:</p> <p>🔗 Ryan's Linktree: <a href="https://linktr.ee/combatstory">https://linktr.ee/combatstory</a></p> <p>🛒 Merch Store: <a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/">https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/</a></p> <p>📸 Instagram: @combatstory <a href="https://www.instagram.com/combatstory">https://www.instagram.com/combatstory</a></p> <p>📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial <a href="https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial">https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial</a></p> <p>📖 Learn more about Ryan: <a href="https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus">https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus</a></p> <p>🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle</p> <p> </p> <p>Show Notes:</p> <p>00:00 Intro<br /> 00:28 Introduction to Combat Story<br /> 00:47 Will Yeske's Background and Book<br /> 02:09 Connecting with Andrew Bragg<br /> 02:42 Experiences in the Argandab Valley<br /> 04:10 Writing and Sharing War Stories<br /> 06:35 Memorable Artifacts and Stories<br /> 08:55 The Brutality of the Argandab Valley<br /> 15:03 Joining the Military: Will's Journey<br /> 26:42 First Combat Experience<br /> 39:56 Mission Overview and Initial Challenges<br /> 40:29 Controversies and Unpublished Accounts<br /> 41:26 Hard Moments in Argandob<br /> 42:23 IED Incidents and Minefields<br /> 49:27 Command Changes and Midtour Leave<br /> 01:00:26 Courage and Bravery in Combat<br /> 01:03:59 Writing the Book: Challenges and Reflections<br /> 01:08:03 Sentimental Items and Lucky Charms<br /> 01:10:27 Final Thoughts and Future Projects</p>