Download American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy

1
American
Shield
The
Immigrant Sergeant Democracy
Who
Defended
Description
8220Amrican Shield is an all-American determinat
ion8212beutifully told by an
tale of duty and immigrant, a veteran, and
a patriot.82218212Nacy Pelosi, Speaker
Emerita of the United States House of
RepresentativesSet against the extraordinary
events
2
of January 6, 2021, Aquilino Gonell8217sinspirat
ional memoir is rooted in the joys and struggles
of the immigrant experience that have long
defined the American experimentAquilino Gonell
came to the United States from the Dominican
Republic as a young boy. Although he spoke no
English, he dedicated himself to his adopted
land, striving for the American dream. Determined
to be a success story, he joined the army to pay
for college. He saw action in Iraq and returned
home with PTSD. Believing in the promise of our
government, he focused on healing himself and
supporting his family. His hard work paid off
when he landed a coveted position with the United
States Capitol Police and rose to the rank of
sergeant.January 6, 2021, changed everything.
When insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Gonell
bravely faced down the mob attempting to thwart
the peaceful transfer of power. The brutal
injuries he sustained that day would end his
career in law enforcement. But when some of the
very people he put his life on the line to
protect downplayed or denied the truth of that
day, he chose to speak out against the injustice
done to him and the country. Chronicling what it
means to live a life of conviction, one that
adheres to the best ideas of our democracy,
American Shield is a bold testament to the power
of truth, justice, and accountability from a
highly decorated officer and immigrant who
exemplifies the greatest aspirations of a
grateful nation.