Episode 76: “We did our job. We kept our oath”—with Sergeant Aquilino Gonell

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WHERE YOU CAN BUY “AMERICAN SHIELD” — And please also leave a review!

MORE ABOUT “American Shield”: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy By AQUILINO GONELL and SUSAN SHAPIRO

Set against the extraordinary events of January 6, 2021 and rooted in the joys and struggles of the immigrant experience that have long defined the American experiment, Staff Sergeant Aquilino Gonell’s inspirational memoir is one of hope and the belief in the promise of a nation enduring in the face of challenges

When Staff Sergeant Aquilino Gonell kissed his wife and son goodbye and went to work as a member of the Capitol Police on the morning of January 6, 2021, he didn’t expect that he might never see them again. Yet, that is almost what happened. As an angry mob of insurrectionists goaded by the sitting president descended upon the Capitol, Sergeant Gonell put his life on the line to protect America’s sacred democratic institutions. It wasn’t the first time he sacrificed for his country.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Gonell immigrated to the United States as a boy. He spoke no English and was unprepared for the dangers of his new life in Brooklyn. He worked hard to give back to the country that took him in and offered him opportunities to thrive. His patriotism led him to join the Army, where he was stationed in Iraq for 545 days. He witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and suffered PTSD. Coming back to the States, he married, had a son, and landed a job with the Capitol police. He’d achieved the American Dream. What he couldn’t have predicted was that he was on a collision course with history.

A stunning example of what it means to sacrifice and strive so that your loved ones may have a better life, American Shield urges everyone to put truth and justice above the petty and personal, and calls on all Americans to work to build a future in which all of us can thrive together.

Staff Sergeant AQUILINO GONELL a Dominican immigrant, former U.S. Army soldier, and Iraq War veteran. For seventeen years, he was a United States Capitol Police officer and was one of four police officers who testified before the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. He’s been featured on ABC, CBS, CNN, Telemundo, Univision, and NPR, and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and El Diario. He is a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the

Presidential Citizens Medal.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR AMERICAN SHIELD A Washington Post Most Anticipated Title

“A memorable account of a life of public service.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“This book by an author who exemplifies patriotism will remind readers of the need to expose those who try to subvert democracy for their own benefit.”

—Library Journal

“Sergeant Aquilino Gonell’s story —of coming to America as a child, of overcoming adversity and discrimination, of stepping forward to defend Democracy, of refusing to stay silent in the face of injustice —is riveting. It was moving to read about his first visit to the United States Capitol as a student, marveling at the majesty of the Dome and in awe of its hallowed halls. Decades later, it was there at the Capitol where he would display extraordinary heroism on January 6th: recalling in raw and harrowing detail how he endured unimaginable brutality and lasting trauma, only to see many of those he risked his life to protect minimize that dark day. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Sergeant Gonell for his courageous and continued service, speaking out to ensure that we all remember the truth of the insurrection. American Shield is an all-American tale of duty and determination —beautifully told by an immigrant, a veteran and

a patriot.”

—Nancy Pelosi, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives

“Whenever duty calls, Sergeant Gonell answers. His story of service and resilience is uplifting and inspiring. And he's my height, which I also admire!”

—Jon Stewart

“This modern America makes it hard sometimes to find the will to believe. Vicious nativism, worsening radicalization, and poisonous white supremacy confront us every day with real and pressing dangers. But Aquilino Gonell's story is a redemption we probably don't deserve. For an immigrant to defend this nation on January 6th against those very forces, to navigate one American folly after another, is more than enough to rekindle the flames of belief again. Read this book and fight to rediscover faith once more.”

—Jared Yates Sexton, author of The Midnight Kingdom