In Part Four of Kevin Osborne’s story, the uniform comes off—but the challenges don’t.

Kevin shares what transition really looked like: long hours unloading trucks, building server racks overnight, navigating layoffs, and wrestling with the frustrations of both corporate and federal systems.

From contract specialist roles to the VA hospital and an unexpected opportunity to attend the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., his path is anything but straightforward.

This chapter is about resilience, faith under pressure, and learning that growth doesn’t always come with a new title.

Kevin Osborne’s story continues.

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In Part Three of Kevin Osborne’s story, Kevin opens up about difficult leadership, isolation, faith under pressure, and what it’s like to constantly butt heads when you don’t quite fit the mold. From moments of unexpected loyalty and betrayal, to navigating promotions, family dynamics, and the search for purpose near the end of his enlistment, this chapter paints an honest picture of how leadership—or the lack of it—can shape a Marine’s entire experience.

We also explore Kevin’s entrepreneurial mindset, lessons learned the hard way, and how a single good leader can change the trajectory of a career. It’s a reminder that who you work for often matters more than the uniform you wear.

Kevin Osborne’s story continues.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You’re not weak, you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—free, confidential, and available 24/7.

General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

In Part Two of Kevin Osborne’s story, the journey continues from boot camp straight into Marine Combat Training, MOS school, and life in the fleet.

Kevin talks about skipping leave, grinding through comm school in 29 Palms, standing fire watch on New Year’s Eve, and returning home changed—more confident, but still navigating a complicated relationship with his father.

This episode also covers his early time with 5th Marines in the 62 Area, working through poor leadership, isolation, and hard-earned lessons about responsibility, faith, and perseverance.

Part Two is about learning who you are when guidance is limited—and choosing to keep moving forward anyway.

General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

Every Marine has a starting point.

In Part One of this multi-episode conversation, Kevin Osborne takes us back to his early life—growing up with very little near Yosemite, grounded in faith, and shaped by the discipline and lessons he learned through baseball.

Before the uniform and before leadership roles, Kevin was a young man looking for direction and opportunity. The Marine Corps became a path forward.

This episode focuses on the foundation of Kevin’s journey and what led him to serve as a Communications Marine, setting the stage for the story that continues in the episodes ahead.

Any questions or if you know anyone that may be interested in coming on, drop us an email!

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After returning to Riverside, CA (post-EAS), Alex Mendoza knew it was time for a change. With the help of fellow Marine Andy Escanuela, he packed his seabag and headed for Oak Cliff, Texas in search of a new beginning. This final chapter of Alex’s story is about second chances, growth, and the brotherhood that keeps showing up—even years after the Corps.

Special thanks to guest contributor Gunny Moon, once again, for lending his voice and perspective to this episode!

General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

From Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton to Kuwait and back to Camp Pendleton, Alex Mendoza reflects on the highs and lows of his Marine Corps journey. In this installment, we dive into his post-boot camp transition, adapting to new environments, dealing with homesickness, and navigating the cultural shock of military life far from home. Alex also shares leadership lessons learned the hard way, including the lasting impact of a senior Marine—a moment that would forever shape his understanding of integrity and trust.

This episode captures the complexity of service: the disillusionment, the growth, and the resolve it takes to move forward.

Gunny Moon returns as guest collaborator.

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Corporal Alex Mendoza opens up about growing up in the Inland Empire of Southern California & Mexicali, Mexico, navigating family tensions as he left for boot camp, and the emotional weight of chasing something bigger than himself. In this opening chapter, Mendoza reflects on a journey that didn’t follow the standard Marine script—missing the iconic Yellow Footprints, reporting to MOS school before MCT, and stepping into the unknown. This episode lays the foundation for a story of quiet strength, improvisation and transformation.General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

In the final chapter of his story, Darwin GlavezDiaz takes us through life after Okinawa — the long road home, the frustrations of missed reenlistment, and the hard lessons of transitioning back to civilian life.

From the pride of earning his Corporal chevrons overseas to coming home to an empty base, Darwin opens up about the challenges, the humor, and the growth that come with hanging up the uniform.

It’s an honest, unfiltered look at what happens after the mission ends — and how one Marine found purpose again through family, work, and faith in the brotherhood that never really goes away.

General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com