Combat Story
@combatstory·235K subscribers·938 videos
From Iraq to Firefighter | The Weight of Service
Posted
May 25, 2026
Views
38,798
Likes
227
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9
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0.61%
May 25, 2026
38,798
227
9
0.61%
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1:49:43Now PlayingWar changes you.
So does trying to save someone and failing.
In this episode of Combat Story, AJ Pasciuti sits down with Army combat veteran, firefighter, MMA fighter, and author James McDevitt for a raw conversation about combat, trauma, purpose, brotherhood, and the emotional weight that follows service long after the fighting ends.
James shares his journey from growing up in a military family to deploying to Iraq as an 18-year-old convoy gunner during some of the deadliest years of the war. He talks openly about football, firefighting, masculinity, PTSD, identity, and the addiction many veterans feel toward high-stakes environments.
The conversation also dives deeply into the realities of firefighting, including the lasting impact of trying to save a young child trapped in a house fire.
This episode is about more than war.
It’s about responsibility, grief, brotherhood, and learning how to live after the moments that stay with you forever.
Combat Story exists to provide context, not just content.
🎙️ Guest — James McDevitt
Army combat veteran, firefighter, MMA fighter, and author of *A Walk Among Heroes*. James writes and speaks about war, brotherhood, trauma, resilience, and the lifelong search for purpose after service.
📸 Instagram: @JamesMcDevittAuthor
🎵 TikTok: @JamesMcDevittAuthor
▶️ YouTube: @JamesMcDevittAuthor
📘 Facebook: @JamesMcDevittAuthor
🔗 Website: JamesMcDevittAuthor.com
🎙️ Host — AJ Pasciuti
Retired Marine Force Recon Scout Sniper and Marine Gunner, author of *Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life*, and host of Combat Story.
📕 Darkhorse
📸 AJ Pasciuti Instagram
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