Podcast Summary: From Gangs to Rangers

Podcast Title: The Antihero Podcast
Host/Authors: Brent Tucker & Tyler
Guest: Angel Cortez
Episode: From Gangs to Rangers
Release Date: April 21, 2025

1. Introduction: Welcome and Guest Introduction (04:08 - 05:15)

In the episode titled "From Gangs to Rangers," hosts Brent Tucker and Tyler welcome Angel Cortez, a former gang member who transformed his life by joining the military and eventually becoming an Army Ranger. Angel's journey from the streets to special operations provides a profound narrative of resilience, personal growth, and community leadership.

2. Early Life and Gang Involvement (05:15 - 17:12)

Angel Cortez shares his turbulent upbringing, marked by familial strife and poverty. Born to Mexican immigrants in Garden Grove and Santa Ana, California, Angel faced severe challenges:

• Family Struggles:
  "My dad was an alcoholic. He would beat us, like really beat us... I still have scars from some of the beatings" (05:18).

• Bullying and Identity Crisis:
  "I would wear the same clothes over and over... get made fun of for not fitting in" (14:08).

• Joining the Gang:
  At 14, driven by the need for protection and belonging, Angel joined the gang "Palma Vista."
  "I joined the gang to get backup... I was tired of getting picked on" (19:21).

3. Transition to Military Service (25:31 - 37:05)

Seeking a way out from the gang life, Angel turned to the military, inspired by the camaraderie and purpose depicted in media:

• Motivation to Join:
  "They had everything that I wasn't and everything that I didn't have in my life. I wanted to do that" (26:09).

• Recruitment Challenges:
  Due to his gang affiliation and carrying a weapon on school grounds, Angel required two waivers to enlist.
  "I failed everything in school, minus math and PE... I'm not gonna pass EOD" (39:52).

4. Military Training and Deployment (37:05 - 58:55)

Angel details his rigorous military training and deployment experiences:

• Basic Training and AIT:
  Struggling initially, Angel adapted by seeking hands-on learning:
  "If they showed me and had me do it, I was game" (47:23).

• Deployment to Afghanistan:
  Assigned to the 18th Engineers in the 2nd ID Battalion, Angel recounts intense combat situations:
  "We had to deal with not one, but two suicide bombers... trying to overrun us multiple times" (60:22).

• Building Camaraderie:
  Mentorship played a crucial role, with leaders like Hugh Underwaal guiding him through challenges.

5. Experiences as an Army Ranger (58:55 - 114:29)

Angel's tenure as an Army Ranger was fraught with peril and personal growth:

• Combat Engagements:
  Multiple encounters with IEDs and Taliban fighters shaped his combat instincts and leadership abilities.
  "I had to pull IEDs out of the ground with my bare hands and set them aside to blow them up" (63:02).

• Leadership Struggles:
  Facing skepticism from peers about his capabilities, Angel persevered to prove his worth:
  "I just let about 100 fucking people in front of me... they saw that I didn't stop" (100:50).

• RASP and Ranger School:
  Navigating the demanding Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, Angel overcame physical and mental obstacles to graduate.

6. Transition to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship (114:29 - 122:00)

After eight years of service, Angel transitioned to civilian life, utilizing his military-earned skills and discipline:

• Academic Pursuits:
  Enrolled in a registered dietitian program, overcoming academic challenges:
  "Being a registered dietitian is a hard path... communication classes, because you have to be able to communicate to people" (119:39).

• Entrepreneurial Ventures:
  Founded "OG Pumpkin," a brand aimed at supporting veterans and the community through events and merchandise.
  "I started OG Pumpkin to keep funding community events... within an hour or two, all 200 [stickers] were gone" (121:24).

7. Community Leadership and Philanthropy (122:00 - 147:55)

Angel dedicates himself to uplifting veterans and low-income communities through various initiatives:

• Veteran Support:
  Organizing events like "Vehicles and Tacos Range Day" to foster camaraderie among veterans.
  "We trained together, shot together, shared experiences... it's about hanging out" (130:49).

• Philanthropic Efforts:
  Donating resources and support to veterans facing challenges, including mental health struggles:
  "I paid for veterans' psychedelic therapy... helping out as much as I could" (123:00).

• Cultural Integration:
  Bridging gaps between military, law enforcement, and Hispanic communities to promote unity and understanding.
  "I am the bridge between both worlds... fighting for acceptance and unity" (147:18).

8. Kidney Donation Story (131:24 - 142:01)

A pivotal moment in Angel's life involved donating a kidney to a close friend, showcasing his selflessness and commitment to helping others:

• Decision to Donate:
  Upon learning of his friend's wife's kidney failure, Angel promptly decided to donate:
  "I've decided to donate a kidney because this can't be the end of me... I have to give back" (130:49).

• Surgical and Recovery Process:
  The surgery was successful, significantly improving his friend's quality of life but leaving Angel with a challenging recovery:
  "Recovery sucked because I couldn't lift anything more than 10 pounds for a couple weeks" (139:04).

• Emotional Impact:
  Reflecting on his journey and the impact of his actions, Angel emphasizes the importance of community and purpose:
  "Donating the kidney fixed the struggle I had... it's something that I know is good because sometimes you question your... your military service" (141:24).

9. Challenges and Cultural Integration (147:55 - End)

Angel discusses the cultural dynamics within military and veteran communities, highlighting barriers faced by minorities:

• Gatekeeping in the Veteran Community:
  Despite his contributions, Angel faces skepticism and lack of recognition due to his past and cultural background:
  "They see the Mexican flag on my hand and... they see me as someone from the streets, not the service" (147:18).

• Promoting Unity and Acceptance:
  Advocates for breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusivity within diverse communities:
  "I'm trying to fight the misconceptions... it's not about the past, it's about the present and future" (147:18).

10. Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Support (142:01 - End)

In closing, Angel Cortez reflects on his journey and emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and continuous personal growth:

• Message of Resilience:
  "Just keep going because life will throw challenges, but overcoming them defines who you are" (130:49).

• Call to Support:
  Angel encourages listeners to support his ventures and initiatives aimed at helping veterans and underserved communities.
  "Follow OG Pumpkin on Instagram... come to our events, support our mission" (142:01).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Angel Cortez:
  "I joined the gang to get backup... I was tired of getting picked on." (19:21)
  "They had everything that I wasn't and everything that I didn't have in my life. I wanted to do that." (26:09)
  "Donating the kidney fixed the struggle I had... it's something that I know is good because sometimes you question your... your military service." (141:24)
  "Just keep going because life will throw challenges, but overcoming them defines who you are." (130:49)

• Brent Tucker:
  "But what's more important is how you handle the bad times." (25:17)
  "It's insane... the way they treat someone trying to progress." (93:02)

• Tyler:
  "You gotta want it. You keep going." (130:56)

Supporting Angel Cortez

To support Angel Cortez and his initiatives, you can connect with him through his social media and engage with his community events:

• Instagram:

  • OG Pumpkin: @og_pumpkin
  • Personal Page: @angel_g_cortez

• Training Company:
  Defense Strategies Group, based in Los Angeles, offers training and consulting services for SWAT teams, PDs, and sheriffs.

• Events:
  Attend OG Pumpkin events or Defense Strategies Group training sessions to support and engage with the veteran community.

Final Note: Angel Cortez's story is a testament to the power of transformation and the impact one individual can have on their community. From navigating the challenges of a troubled youth to serving his country and giving selflessly back to others, Angel embodies the spirit of resilience and leadership.