Tag: Veterans

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fresh, candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media. And we’ll always be grounded in a focus on national security, foreign affairs and domestic threats.  Despite the lack of media coverage, America is still very much at war. While the rest of the media obsesses over Trump’s CPAC appearance, Ted Cruz’s travel, and changes to Mr Potato Head and Dr Seuss, we’re digging into the real and urgent threats facing you, your family and our country.  Why are defense leaders guarding against extremists strikes again this week on/around March 4th? Why that date? What’s the story behind the recent missile strikes in Syria ordered by Biden? What will happen next with Russia after new sanctions? With our country slammed by COVID, will our enemies use this opportunity to strike? Where’s the next hot spot in the world for the US military? Why did Laura Ingraham and Fox News put a target on the back of one of our frequent guests and a decorated Navy veteran? Our host, Army combat veteran and author Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is bringing his extensive national security and political expertise to focus this vital episode on the under-reported national security threats that should keep all Americans up at night. It’s a look into the stories that aren’t on the front pages, but probably should be.  And we’re doing a rapid-fire tour of the global landscape with one of our most popular guests of all time: Malcolm Nance (@MalcolmNance). America’s favorite terrorism expert, Malcolm is a decorated military veteran, an astute analyst, and a truth teller, MSNBC’s Terrorism Analysts and a NY Times Bestselling author, the retired Navy Master Chief served as a specialist in Naval Cryptology and was involved in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and combat operations around the world and served as an instructor in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training. He’s also one of the most interesting guys anywhere. The man has stories–and enemies foreign and domestic. That now includes Fox News primetime host, Laura Ingraham.  Last fall, Malcolm joined this show and predicted the kind of post-election violence we saw in Washington on January 6th. Back in Episode 13 and Episode 94, he also predicted national security threats to come. And he joins Independent Americans again now to share some new predictions.  America is more divided than ever before. But Independent Americans is adding light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. Every episode brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and explores the most pressing issues of the day with leaders who are shaping what America will be in the future.  If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democratic Party, but you’re not a die-hard partisan, this is your show. If you’re a concerned American who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. And join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. For just $5, you get access to events, our guests, merch discounts and exclusive content.  You can also see video of this conversation with Malcolm Nance and over 100 episodes with leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; 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. Stay vigilant, America.  On the web: https://IndependentAmericans.us Twitter: https://twitter.com/indy_americans Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you’ve slept better recently knowing that Trump no longer has access to our military. And to our nukes. But stakes are still high. As high as ever. And we’re gonna continue to break it down. This is not the time to rest—or even celebrate. That time is over. This is the time to stay focused and to stay vigilant.  In this fiery episode, our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is again joined by dynamic transgender activist, writer and Army veteran, Charlotte Clymer (@CMClymer). They break down Biden’s repeal of Trump’s military transgender ban, the confirmation hearing of Denis McDonough to head the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), white nationalism in the military and veterans community, and pancakes vs waffles. Charlotte was named one of Fortune Magazine’s ’40 under 40′, joined us back in Episode 65, and returns now to break down the latest news with fire, wit and independence. And as always, there’s a focus on the national security and veterans issues you won’t hear anywhere else. It’s the best independent news, politics and culture podcast in America.    You can also check out video of this conversation with Charlotte Clymer and a wide range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show anywhere.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. But it’s about much more than that. Angry Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and candid perspective like nowhere else in the media.  You can also join us for exclusive events and activities by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. For just $5/month, you’ll get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans is possible thanks to our Patreon supporters. Angry Americans empowers independent Americans and is powered by Righteous Media.  Find us on social and get more involved:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Stay vigilant, America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We finally have a new president. A president who wants to be a uniter. A president we all hope can reach beyond partisanship. No matter how hard it will be.  This post-inauguration special of The Dispatches features an important conversation with a leader who is a national voice of reason — Wayne Smith—a man we call, “The Oracle.” He joined us back in Episode 63 of Angry Americans in June of last year, and he’s here again to help us get some perspective on one of the most turbulent times ever. What do we make of this week? What is our place in history? What’s next? How do you reconcile with someone who tried to kill you?   They’re heavy questions and the solutions aren’t easy, but helpers like Wayne Smith can help us all find the way.  We made it through the election. We made it through the inauguration. We made it through 4 years of Trump. And we made it through an insurrection attempt and domestic terrorist attack on our Capitol. But we made it through. And our flag is still there.  The war is on. This is your update. This is The Dispatches. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is an Army infantry and Military Police (MP) veteran, he’s fought an insurgency in Iraq, he’s guarded against violent mobs and terror attacks, and he’s set up check-points in New York City after 9/11.  The Dispatches is powered by Righteous Media. See video of this conversation with Wayne Smith and a range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  Righteous Media is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media.  Join us for exclusive Righteous Media events and activities by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. You’ll get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans and The Dispatches are possible thanks to our Patreon supporters. Find us on social and go deeper:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This pre-inauguration special installment of The Dispatches features an urgent conversation with a leader who is covering maybe the most important story in America right now: our national, military response to the rising, imminent domestic threat at the inauguration and beyond.  As 25,000 National Guard troops envelope Washington, DC, The Washington Post is now reporting that 12 members of the National Guard have just been removed from inauguration duty due after security screenings. At least two of those removed have possible sympathies for anti-government groups. And there may be more to come. The threat of an insider attack at the inauguration is very real.  This is happening the same day that General Llyod Austin, Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced confirmation hearings in the Senate.  The same day that a U.S. Army soldier was arrested for allegedly assisting ISIS in plans to kill his fellow soldiers in the Middle East and hit terrorist targets in the US including the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.  A new American insurgency—is now out in the open–and likely, growing. This is our new normal now. America is at war with the domestic terrorists. We are now truly a country at war with ourselves.  Our guest for this episode is tearing into the breaking news from inside the military and breaks down this urgent and evolving story. Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) is one of the best military and Pentagon reporters in America. He has written about the Armed Forces for more than a decade, traveling extensively, embedding with each service, and covering combat in Afghanistan numerous times. His intrepid reporting is breaking news you need to know more about.  President Mayhem calls reporters like Dan enemies of the people. We consider reporters like Dan defenders of our democracy. Guardians of the people. And he takes you deeper into an urgent side of inauguration that will only get a brief mention on most cable news networks.  How safe is the inauguration? How the hell can the FBI and Department of Defense screen 25,000 National Guard troops for extremism in a week? If DC is secure, what might domestic terrorists hit this week instead?  This is the important stuff. This is the game-changing stuff. This is the stuff you need to know.  Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is an Army infantry and Military Police (MP) veteran, he’s fought an insurgency in Iraq, he’s guarded against violent mobs and terror attacks, and he’s set up check-points in New York City after 9/11.  Most of the American media is looking on the surface—and looking back. Again, in this episode of The Dispatches, we’re going deeper–and looking forward.  The war is on. This is your update. This is The Dispatches. The Dispatches is powered by Righteous Media. See video of this conversation with Dan Lamothe and a range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  Righteous Media is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media.  Join us for exclusive Righteous Media events and activities by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. You’ll get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans and The Dispatches are possible thanks to our Patreon supporters. Find us on social and go deeper:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of the American media is looking back. In this episode, we’re looking forward.  We are now truly a country at war. At war with the domestic terrorists. At war with the coronavirus. At war with a racist legacy. In 2021, America is at war with ourselves.  The Dispatches is a quick-hit series of breaking news podcasts hosted by Iraq war veteran, author and activist Paul Rieckhoff that gives you information and analysis you need to protect yourself and the people you care about. Dr. Jason Dempsey is a bad-ass warrior-scholar. A former Army infantryman with a PhD in politics. A professor, author, researcher, combat veteran and one of the country’s foremost experts on civil-military relations, Jason is West Point graduate and Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), and a powerful voice that must be heard.  He led units on the ground in Afghanistan, served inside the White House, and literally wrote the book on the modern United states military: Our Army: Soldiers, Politics, and American Civil-Military Relations. He’s also a dad, a lover of good beer and no-BS guy who pulls no punches. Jason previously joined us on Episode 76 of Angry Americans. In his last visit was in September, we broke down Trump calling troops “Losers” and “Suckers.” I asked him if the military will save us. We discussed how Generals Mattis and Kelly Were Complicit. We broke down The 19th Anniversary of 9/11. And Jason offered the best Peeps answer ever. When the news was unfolding, Jason took us behind the scenes, inside the White House and Pentagon, and deep into our history as Americans. He’s back to do it again.  The war is on. This is your update. This is The Dispatches. The Dispatches is powered by Righteous Media. See video of this conversation with Jason Dempsey and a range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Righteous Media is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media.  Join us for an exclusive Righteous Media events and activities by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. You’ll get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans and The Dispatches are possible thanks to our Patreon supporters, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Tommy John.  Find us on social and go deeper:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are now truly a country at war. At war with the domestic terrorists. At war with the coronavirus. At war with a racist legacy. In 2021, America is at war with ourselves.  The Dispatches is a quick-hit series of breaking news podcasts hosted by Iraq war veteran, author and activist Paul Rieckhoff that gives you information and analysis you need to protect yourself and the people you care about. This dispatch features an urgent conversation with America’s favorite terrorism expert: Malcolm Nance. The decorated military veteran, MSNBC terror analyst, and truth teller is back. Malcolm has spent 36 years focused on terrorist strategy, tactics and ideology and previously joined us on Episode 81 and Episode 13 of Angry Americans. In his last visit in October, he predicted exactly what we’re seeing in the headlines today. He described the domestic threat that was looming, rising and preparing to attack. Most folks didn’t see it coming. Malcolm Nance did.  Malcolm again joins Paul Rieckhoff to break down what happened inside the US Capitol on January 6th, what most of the media missed about the violent attack, and what could happen next. It’s an expert breakdown from two combat veterans who also explain the big picture.  What are we facing? Is this the beginning of a American insurgency? How violent will the next few weeks be across the country? Most of the American media is looking back. In this episode, we’re looking forward.  The war is on. This is your update. This is The Dispatches. The Dispatches is powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is under attack from within. Domestic terrorists invaded the Capitol. President Mayhem is blowing it all up on his way out. For months on Angry Americans, we warned that this could happen. It’s a dark time for all Americans. But this episode will help you understand it, unpack the causes and failures, and prepare for what comes next.  Chuck Hagel is back to break it down with our host: Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff). Hagel shares unparalleled experience and perspective in this fragile time. He served as the Secretary of Defense under Obama and as a Senator from Nebraska. An independent Republican and the first Vietnam veteran in American history to lead the Pentagon, Hagel has been a straight-talking voice of reason for decades. And after joining us for a powerful Episode 82, he’s back now to analyze the unfolding national security and political crisis. He also explains how the urgent, unprecedented OpEd he authored with the other nine living former secretaries of defense secretaries came together. How did this happen? What will the military do now? How bad is it all? Hagel also breaks down the historic win for the Democrats in the Georgia Senate run-off election–and the future of our politics. This pod smartly and uniquely tears into all of it.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Angry Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media.  See video of this conversation with Secretary Hagel and a range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  Join us for an exclusive Angry Americans events and activities by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. You’ll get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans is possible thanks to our Patreon supporters, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Tommy John. Angry Americans empowers independent Americans and is powered by Righteous Media.  Find us on social and get more involved:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The anniversary of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor was this week. And almost exactly 79 years later, American is experiencing a Pearl Harbor loss of life from the pandemic every single day. And just like after Pearl Harbor, our national response will be led by America’s military. It’s the Department of Defense (and the Department of Veterans Affairs) that will help distribute and administer the vaccine nationwide to everyone. Both agencies are in chaos–and were already under political attack from President Trump. Now, President-Elect Biden surprised the nation with the controversial selections of General Lloyd Austin for Secretary of Defense and Denis McDonough for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  As America navigates these treacherous waters, we have an inspiring, important, iconic leader to guide us through it. Retired Navy 4-star Admiral James Starvridis. [25:35] He led the NATO Alliance in global operations as Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter piracy, and cyber security. The Admiral is a great American success story. The grandson of immigrants who fled ethnic cleansing in Turkey, Starvridis wrote of his immigrant grandfather: “His grandson, who speaks barely a few words of Greek, returns in command of a billion-dollar destroyer to the very city—Smyrna, now called İzmir—from which he sailed in a refugee craft all those years ago.”   Stavridis is built to serve. He’s an inspiring leader. He has a deep respect and regard for history. His perspective is deep. His vision is clear. He’s the perfect voice for the time we’re all facing. As President Mayhem dismantles the election, the Pentagon, and Democracy itself, President-Elect Biden returns to business as usual. And not in the good way. When the waters are this rough, we need an Admiral. It’s time us to all get on board, rush to our stations, man the guns, and face the storm. And this is the analysis you need to hear. Stavridis and Rieckhoff break down all of it.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Angry Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media.  You can also watch video of this conversation with Admiral Stavridis and a wide range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  Join us for an exclusive Angry Americans Cocktail Hour Zoom on December 21st by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. You’ll also get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans is possible thanks to our Patreon supporters, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Tommy John.  Angry Americans empowers independent Americans and is powered by Righteous Media.  Find us on social and get more involved:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter what Tucker Carlson or your crazy uncle says, Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 election for President of the United States. Yes, he did it. Yes, we did it. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won. America won. We won. Trump lost. Authoritarianism lost. Trumpism lost. History is made. The good one won. The bad guy lost. Yes, there is reason to celebrate. But that shit’s over. This is no time to take a victory lap, or nurse a hangover. Even when world leaders are calling to congratulate Joe Biden, Trump and his loyalists are going down fighting. And some, may not wanna go down at all. Half of America isn’t celebrating. And Trump is doing what he does. He’s blowing things up. Things that are vital to our national stability, our homeland security, our fight against the virus and our domestic tranquility. And after failing to blow up the election. He moved on to the single most powerful, most vital, most sacred institution we’ve got. The pentagon.  At the single most precarious time in recent history for our national security, Trump is firing #Yesper. Angry Americans host Paul Rieckhoff is no fan of the SecDef, but this massive disruption now is terribly bad for our troops & our security. #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating And it’s not just Esper. The Pentagon’s top policy official James Anderson resigned. That paved the way for the nasty, Islamophobe retired Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata to take over policy. With our national security on the line, with a pandemic raging everywhere, Trump is flailing, and pulling this bullshit. And this is not a time for bullshit. It’s time for hard truths. And it’s time for hard leaders. Who can deliver, understand, communicate, plan for, and overcome hard truths. If you want sunshine, this is not your podcast. If you want truth, this is your place. Now and always. General Barry McCaffrey is no bullshit. General McCaffrey [27:27] is a serious man for these serious times. It’s a must-listen Angry Americans episode that will wake you up, focus your heart, and prepare you for the precarious days ahead. Welcome to a conversation that will help you stay calm. Welcome to a conversation that will help you stay cool. Welcome to a conversation that will help you stay vigilant. And a conversation that will help you stay frosty. Because the old idiom is true: cooler heads will prevail. So take a big deep breath America. We got you.  With our country in turmoil and our values and stability under attack, if you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. In times like this, Angry Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. Make it your weekly tradition. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media. You’ll meet inspiring, important and iconic guests in candid conversations like on no other show. Rieckhoff is a voice Americans of all background trusts. And he tears into the news headlines in a way that leaves you informed, prepared and ready for whatever comes next in America.  You can be part of the Angry Americans Patreon community and get unique access to Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans is possible thanks to these Patreon supporters and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.  Join the movement at AngryAmericans.us or YouTube. You can see this conversation with General McCaffrey and a wide range of amazing political, foreign policy, national security and media players ranging from Susan Rice to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Jeffrey Wright to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  Angry Americans is powered by Righteous Media.  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“We are solvers of problems–as Americans.” -Chuck Hagel.  These are tough times in America. And it’s time to listen to our toughest leaders. Leaders like Chuck Hagel.  Chuck Hagel [13:26] is a true American success story–and has been an independent voice of reason on our political landscape for a generation. Hagel served as the 24th Secretary of Defense from February 2013 to February 2015. He was a rare Republican in the Cabinet of President Obama and the first Vietnam veteran and first formerly enlisted soldier in American history to lead the Pentagon. America is being tested from every side–and from within. From attacks on our elections, to attacks on our troops in Afghanistan, to attacks on Pentagon leadership by our own President. And this week, Foreign Policy takes center stage in the final Presidential Debate between Trump and Biden. Hagel breaks down how and if our military, foreign policy and political leadership is or isn’t ready for what’s to come. In this candid, personal and insightful conversation with our host, Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), Hagel shares insight into the Joe Biden he’s known for decades, the Donald Trump he’s seen up close, and the future he sees for America. It’s real and sobering–and also warm and uplifting.  Hagel previously served in the United States Senate representing Nebraska, was President of the World USO, and in the mid-1980’s after returning from Vietnam, co-founded VANGUARD a highly-successful, publicly-traded corporation. He is also the author of, America: Our Next Chapter and the subject of a book entitled, Chuck Hagel: Moving Forward. Hagel is a statesman, an entrepreneur, a grandfather, and always a patriot. And he is now a leader of National Security Leaders for Biden–a group of 780 retired Generals, Admirals, Senior Enlisted, Ambassadors and former Senior National Security Officials supporting Joe Biden for President. He’s gone against his own political party, conventional wisdom and our enemies for decades. Now, he’s fighting against Trump.  This election season especially, Angry Americans is your oasis for independent news, politics and inspiration. The pod always delivers a unique, independent and hard-hitting perspective like nowhere else in the media. You’ll hear influential, fascinating guests like Chuck Hagel open up in ways like they don’t on any other show. And Rieckhoff breaks down our times like nobody else can.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially right now. Join our Angry Americans Patreon community and get special access to our host, Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, and discounts on Angry Americans merch, and exclusive extra content not available anywhere else. This episode is possible thanks to those Patreon members and support from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Uncle Nearest is the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon for the last two years.  Join the movement. Download this episode now. And at AngryAmericans.us or our YouTube page, you can watch this entire conversation with Secretary Chuck Hagel and a dynamic range of foreign policy and national security leaders like Malcolm Nance, General Mark Hertling, Ambassador Susan Rice, Medal of Honor Recipients David Bellavia and Florent Groberg and reporter James LaPorta. And, a refreshing array of influential voices ranging from Stephen Colbert to Jeffrey Wright to Meghan McCain.  Angry Americans empowers independent-minded Americans everywhere and is powered by Righteous Media.  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices