Category: Veterans

Senator Max Cleland was a true American hero. One of the finest, most selfless leaders of our time. He was a titan. And his tremendous impact was second only to his huge heart. Even in these last few difficult months before he died, he was a fighter—and a happy warrior. And Max’s passing comes the week of Veterans Day. Max defined what it means to be an American veteran. And what it means for veterans to continue to serve after they take off the uniform. And after tragedy. He’s the godfather of modern veterans affairs and advocacy–and he’s forever stronger at the broken places.  In this Veterans Day special episode, our host and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff reflects on the life and legacy of his friend, mentor and personal hero, Max Cleland. And in order to even begin to properly tell Max’s story, we hear from a man who knew him better than almost anyone else. Another hero, another mentor, another Vietnam veteran, another son of the south, another true American hero: Shad Meshad. Shad has known Max for over 45 years. And in this time of mourning, and reflection, and especially this Veterans Day, he is the person we most need to hear from.  They call him the Mad Man. For more than five decades, National Veterans Foundation Founder and President Shad Meshad has been one of the most important veterans advocates in the world. He is a therapist for Veterans and an advocate for Veterans’ rights. After getting his master’s degree in psychiatric social work from Florida State University, he enlisted in the army in 1970 and served as a counselor for U.S. soldiers in Vietnam. That was years before we knew this was really a thing. He’ll tell you more about that, the Max Cleland most people never knew, and all the lessons we can all learn from Max’s amazing life. You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power.  You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Shad here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.  

Everyone who has seen a Halloween movie knows you can’t run from Michael Myers. The only way to defeat the terror of Michael Myers is to fight him–to take him head on. And the same is true about the horror show that is Afghanistan. If you run from the truth, it will chase you down, it will drag you down, it will cut you into little pieces, and it will come for your friends, and just keep coming. Like Michael Myers, the truth doesn’t die.  And the fight for it around Afghanistan won’t die either. Even if President Biden and countless partisan apologists and hacks look to defend themselves, rather than face the truth. Especially now, as they see Afghanistan continues to spiral downward, and pivotable Congressional midterms creep closer and closer—like Freddy Krueger, waiting for you to fall asleep.  But there are people who are embracing the truth. Heroes that understand the truth. That have a unique link to the truth. That comprehend it’s origins, it’s history, it’s motivations, it’s trajectory. Like Jamie Lee Curtis had a mental bond with Michael Myer, there are leaders that know the truth is coming—even when others won’t believe it’s real. Sometimes, because it’s just too scary.  Heroes like our guest in this episode. Like Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, he’s back! A man who can stand up to the scary, the brutal, the terrifying. Our friend, humanitarian, activist, superhero: Matt Zeller (@MattCZeller). Matt is America’s leading voice on the issue of American allies in Afghanistan. He’s an Combat veteran and Army major that made it out of Afghanistan alive only because of the courage of his Afghan interpreter. And he’s been paying it forward ever since. The courageous Co-Founder of No One Left Behind, Truman National Security Fellow author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan, and the newest member of the powerhouse team at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Since he was last on this show for Episode 127 in August, Matt’s spent every day sounding the alarm about what’s coming, demanding action from the White house, rushing allies out of certain death, and serving as America’s conscience to ourselves and the world. He’s been on countless TV and radio shows around the world, and he’s somehow, still standing, still fighting. And he’s back. To tell us what’s really happening right now in Afghanistan–and why it’s the ultimate Halloween horror story. He’ll take us inside the White House spin, and the good things that HAVE happened. And take us behind the scenes on the Army bases around the country that are tasked with housing and resettling the thousands of Afghans that did make it out. And he’ll tell you how shockingly few that really is.  You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power.  You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Matt and Paul here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find the show on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America. And Happy Halloween!

Fall is here, the leaves are changing, Halloween is just a few weeks away, it’s been 10 months since domestic terrorists tried to overthrow our government, and now is still a time to stay vigilant. Because while the world was focused on William Shatner and his trip to space, and on Jon Gruden’s inexcusable words that got him fired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, or on Dave Chappelle’s new Netflix special, or on the major league baseball playoffs, there was a critical hearing happening in Washington about some of the most dangerous threats to that line that keeps America safe. It was a hearing that some didn’t want to happen. They didn’t think it was important. They didn’t think it was urgent. They didn’t think it was necessary.  But it was.  At 10AM on Oct 13, 2021, 10 months after domestic terrorists attacked our Capitol, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing entitled, “Domestic Violent Extremist Groups and the Recruitment of Veterans.” Most Americans didn’t watch it. But it was damn important. And in this episode, we’ll dig into why.  It’s up to all of us to stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. And one man paying that price is our guest in this episode. Navy Veteran, Navy Reserve Commander, and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (@IAVA), and one of the most important voices in America: Jeremy Butler (@JeremyButler01).  Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support the show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power.  You can also WATCH the full conversation with Jeremy and Paul here. Watch the testimony by Jeremy Butler before the House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) here. And learn more about the vital work of IAVA here.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 has now passed. Afghanistan remains a mess. The delta variant is ripping through thousands of unvaccinated lives. And there is new, looming domestic terrorism threat facing our Capitol this week.  It’s all a painful reminder that our fun, vaccinated summer of 2021 is almost over. Fall is coming in fast. And it’s definitely a time to stay vigilant. There have been 46 Presidents of the United States. There have been only 20 Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And you’re about to hear from the best one of our lifetime.  Mike Mullen is a man who might have made a hell of a president. Mostly, because he never wanted to be one. But he’s also a man who almost became a candidate for Vice President of the United States. And not as a Republican or a Democrat, but as an independent.  Independent Americans is continuing our unique, independent focus on the most urgent threats facing America. And exploring how they’re all intertwined. And how we can pull them part–and fight them together. From 9/11, to the pandemic, to January 6th, to the debacle in Afghanistan, to the threats of domestic extremism–they’re all a test of the fabric of our nation. And they all are made worse by how badly that fabric has been weakened since 9/11.  Is 2021 America what Osama Bin Laden would have dreamed of? 650,000 Americans dead, our international reputation in shambles, our politics paralyzed, our people divided, and literally, killing each other.  Just like 20 years ago this week, we have a choice to make. Do we stand with America and a brighter future? Or do we stand with the enemies, and the darkness that will extinguish the bright glow of the shining city on the hill?  It’s another conversation that keeps it real. With tough lessons–and hard truths. The kind to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.  We’re bringing the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. We’re going from last episode with the truth from a firefighter who stood on the pile, to this episode with the truth from the admiral, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff, who was the senior military leader in the Situation Room, standing behind President Obama, watching the Bin Laden raid unfold on May 1, 2011. Admiral Mullen has been America’s bodyguard. He was also the boss of every single man and woman in uniform who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Welcome to a fireside chat with a true guardian of our democracy. An exploration of leadership–with a true patriot. A sailor, an Admiral, a warrior, a scholar…and maybe most importantly of all now, a grandfather. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join the community of listeners by joining our IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking truth to power. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can check out new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as fall approaches. You can also watch the full conversation with the Admiral and Paul Rieckhoff here:

After 20 years, all US troops are now out of Afghanistan. Is that a good thing? Is the war really over? What happens now to our Afghan allies left behind? Will there be any accountability for failure in Washington? After gripping episodes with Matt Zeller, Jane Horton and Kristen Rouse, the newest episode is keeping our focus squarely on Afghanistan. The military pieces, media coverage, political spin, humanitarian need, the human story–we’re digging into all of what is happening right now. Our guest has been there. He’s a leader for this moment. He just returned from a controversial, unauthorized visit to Afghanistan made alongside fellow veteran and Democrat Congressman Seth Moulton. And he’ll take us inside what he saw.  Representative Peter Meijer is a freshman Republican Congressman who succeeded Republican maverick Justin Amash, in the seat representing Michigan’s 3rd district. He’s fighting for Afghans, he’s fighting partisanship, he’s fighting his own party, and he’s fighting for real change.  After high school, Peter enlisted in the Army reserves and deployed to Iraq with an intelligence unit. After returning, Peter joined Team Rubicon, a veteran-based disaster response organization led by Episode 107 Guest Jake Wood where Peter led humanitarian efforts focused on South Sudan’s refugee crisis. He also led operations in New York after Superstorm Sandy, Oklahoma after a series of tornadoes, and the Philippines after Super Typhoon Yolanda. Peter then accepted a job with a non-governmental organization in Afghanistan. He ran the NGO’s advisory operations in southern Afghanistan, managing a team to help aid workers provide relief to Afghan people. He later served as acting Deputy Director for Afghanistan, delivering emergency assistance to aid workers after kidnappings and targeted killings. Peter knows Afghanistan, knows national security, knows humanitarian work. And he knows this moment. And you need to hear what he knows. He’s fighting for Afghan allies, for accountability around failures of the last month, and for his fellow veterans. He is also fighting with his own party. He was one of only 10 Republicans in the House to vote for the impeachment of Donald Trump. And he’s fighting now to repeal the AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force), for the truth inside what happened on the January 6th insurrection–and for the soul of the Republican party.   Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has known Peter for over a decade. He digs deep with Pete and breaks down the latest news from a truly independent viewpoint. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join the community of listeners by joining our IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking truth to power. Paul Begala called Independent Americans: “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view.” You can watch the video of this conversation with Rep. Peter Meijer and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Admiral James Starvridis; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg; Jeffrey Wright to Rachel Maddow on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as fall approaches. You can also watch the full conversation with Peter and Paul Rieckhoff here:  Stay vigilant, America.

We’ve all seen the disturbing images of thousands of people scrambling to get out of the Karzai Airport in Afghanistan. Who will live? Who will die? Who is making it onto American planes? And who is not? What the hell is really happening on the ground?  Independent Americans continues our unique focus on the collapse of Afghanistan with an urgent new conversation with an inspiring American leader who’s working night and day to save lives. Army Veteran and humanitarian Kristen Rouse is leading “Digital Dunkirk.” A make-shift army of people all across America that are rushing to help Afghans navigate bureaucracy, avoid the Taliban, and find a golden airplane slot to safety. Kristen is a renowned national voice for veterans, LGBTQ people, refugees and all humanity. She has been working non-stop for weeks to save as many Afghan allies as possible. She takes us inside the makeshift command center inside her home–as she works in real-time to save her own Afghan interpreter and others. Kristen is another conscience for America that will break down why all the latest news is about so much more than Afghanistan. This is a fast-paced pod that will show you the sides you won’t see on cable news. It’ll help you understand the ground truth, avoid the spin, and understand what’s really happening. You’ll also get a deeper look into the policy failures, military challenges and humanitarian needs–and hear why Biden’s new August 31st pull-out date may be a death warrant for thousands.  Kristen Rouse (@TrueBoots) is one the most important veteran and national security advocates in America. She has served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for more than 23 years. She served in Afghanistan in for a combined 31 months with roles including mission planning for resupply convoys to remote combat outposts in eastern Afghanistan and working directly with the Afghan National Army. As a civilian, she has created regional and citywide logistics plans and programs for NYC’s Office of Emergency Management. Her experiences following her third tour of duty led her to found the NYC Veterans Alliance. Kristen continues to serve in the US Army Reserves and on the Board of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). She also teaches literature and writing as an adjunct professor and has been featured in The New York Times, New York Post, Daily Beast, CNN, MSNBC, NPR and more. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) explores it all with Kristen, and breaks down the latest with a unique focus on national security, media coverage, and the political dynamics from a truly independent viewpoint. It’s a fresh perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. Be a part of the solution. Get exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent this summer. Paul Begala called Independent Americans: “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view.” You can also watch the video of this conversation with Kristen and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Admiral James Starvridis; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg; Jeffrey Wright to Rachel Maddow on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  You can also watch the full conversation with Kristen and Paul Rieckhoff here: Stay vigilant, America.

As American troops pull out of Afghanistan, the Taliban is advancing. Quickly. Violence is widespread. And tens of thousands of men and women who helped US efforts there are facing imminent danger. The numbers are shocking. 20,000 of our allies and thousands more of their family members are facing slaughter. It’s a terrible and disgraceful betrayal of our allies. And the ramifications will impact our national security forever. But what’s the real situation on the ground? How bad could it get? What should Biden do now? What can we do to help from here? Our intrepid host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the national security components, the media coverage, and the political dynamics from a truly independent viewpoint. And we’re joined by the heroic Matt Zeller (@mattczeller). Matt is America’s leading voice on the issue. The courageous Co-Founder of No One Left Behind, Truman National Security Fellow and author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan joins host and fellow Army veteran Rieckhoff for a gripping conversation that goes deeper and hits harder than anything you’ll hear anywhere else. Matt knows first-hand what it’s like to have fought alongside these brave men and women. He’ll tell you how after a ferocious firefight in Afghanistan, one saved his life. And became his best friend. Now, they’ve made it their mission to save the lives of others who have been left behind. It’s as real as it gets—and this conversation will leave you better informed and better prepared in the coming months as events unfold.  Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as summer winds down. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch the video of this conversation with Matt and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America.  Watch the full conversation here:

As summer continues, we’re sharing some of the best moments and guests from over two years of inspiring shows. Ambassador Susan Rice, General Barry McCaffrey, General Mark Hertling, Admiral James Stavridis, and former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. This best of episode takes a look back with some of our country’s top leaders to explore the lessons they learned while serving at the highest levels—facing the highest stakes. It’s a master class on leadership you don’t want to miss. If you’ve never heard these conversations, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll dig hearing these gems again. It’s a perfect pod for that summer drive, that walk in the woods, or that day on the beach.  Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out our cool and comfy IA merch to get yourself some great summer gear that matters. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch video of more than 100 important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America. 

As America emerges from the pandemic and summer begins, we’re sharing some of the best from our archives. Wes Moore recently declared his candidacy for Governor of Maryland, and this one is more relevant than ever. If you’ve never heard this episode, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll enjoy hearing this gem again.  Wes Moore (@iamWesMoore) is an inspiring force for good and one of the most exciting and dynamic leaders in America. Wes is a best-selling author, activist, combat veteran and CEO of Robin Hood (@RobinHoodNYC). And now, a candiate for Governor of Maryland.  His book, The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates describes his inspiring rise from inner city Baltimore to a Rhodes Scholarship and is an international phenomenon that will soon be a major motion picture produced by Oprah Winfrey. The 82nd Airborne combat veteran of Afghanistan and regular on Morning Joe joins Angry Americans and his old friend, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a deep and inspiring conversation about leadership, poverty, crime and parenting.  It’s a real and riveting conversation between Rieckhoff and another iconic, important and inspiring American that is shaping what our country is and what it will be in the future. The kind of conversation between two renowned thought-leaders that is defining Independent Americans.  Independent Americans is light to contrast all the divisive heat of other political pods. We’re joining your summer cookout with a special delivery of the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And a conversation to wake you up—and to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future America, this is your pod. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent dad ahead of Father’s Day next month. “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” –That’s what political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, You can also watch video of this show with Wes and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. You can also watch video of this full conversation: And stay vigilant, America. 

“Liz Cheney is 1 of only 10 Republican House members who voted to impeach President Mayhem over his role in inciting the deadly January 6 insurrection and attack on America at our Capitol. And never forget–even as time passes–almost 6 months later–it was an insurrection. It was an attack on America.  But too many in the media are still weakly mincing words and calling the events of January 6 a “riot”. It wasn’t a riot. It was an attack on our Capitol. It was an insurrection. Stand up, have a spine, and call it what it is. Or find another line of work. The American people need and deserve the truth.” As always, with an important focus on national security and military issues, our politically independent host, activist, author and combat veteran, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is ripping through the most important news impacting America’s future.  And our guest in this episode is a man of the future. About 300 years in the future. Wes Chatham (@WesChatham) is a break-out star in the incredibly popular worldwide sensation that is Amazon’s Sci-Fi series, The Expanse. He is also a Navy veteran that got his big break when a major motion picture starring one of the biggest stars in the world paid a visit to the ship he was serving on as a lowly Petty Officer Third Class. Wes was chosen for a small part in a big film–and that twist of fate catapulted a blazing hot acting career that has included roles in Barbershop, The Unit, The Help, In The Valley of Elah and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 1 and 2.  But he’s no Hollywood snob. Wes is a proudly married father of two young boys who still calls rural Georgia home. He’s a guy who loves his country, loves a good story, and loves what he does. He’s also a great American success story–who’s story is still unfolding. We’ll talk about his journey, fatherhood, the future, drinking vs smoking–and of course, his favorite drink and first car. Which WILL NOT disappoint you. Just like Amos Burton (the iconic character he plays in The Expanse) Wes’ stories deliver a punch. It’s another conversation to inspire–and to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. Independent Americans is continuing to deliver light to contrast the heat of other political pods. We’re bringing the power of the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And a conversation to test you—to enlighten you—and to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your pod. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by joining our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And check out the new IA merch. Political strategist Paul Begala called Independent Americans, “what all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view. I’m a fan.” You can also watch video of this show with Wes Chatham and more than 100 others from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. You can also watch video of this full conversation: And stay vigilant, America.