He survived an IED in Fallujah, served on the National Security Council, and told the truth to Congress. Then the President ended his career. - Followed by President Trump's impeachment.
This is the true story of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman — one of the most decorated, most scrutinized, and most misunderstood veterans in modern American history.
What happens when a soldier's greatest battle isn't on a battlefield — it's in a hearing room on Capitol Hill?
LTC Alexander Vindman served 21 years in the United States Army. He earned a Purple Heart in the Iraq War after his patrol was struck by an IED in 2004. He survived. He kept serving. He rose to become Director of European Affairs on the National Security Council — one of the most trusted positions in American government.
Then came the Ukraine call.
When President Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman was on that call. He did what every soldier is trained to do — he reported it through the proper chain of command. He testified before Congress under oath. He told the truth.
Within days, he was escorted out of the White House. His promotion to Colonel — already approved — was blocked. His 21-year military career was over.
In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Robert Asencio sits down with LTC Vindman to hear the full story — from his family's escape from the Soviet Union as Jewish refugees in 1979, to his time in combat in the Middle East, to the moment he made the decision that would define his legacy.
"Do the right thing and damn the consequences."
This is a story about military sacrifice, moral courage, what it truly means to serve your country when the cost is everything, and resilience to charge forward.
Chapters:
00:00 - A Journey of Service and Sacrifice
10:01 - From Refugees to Warriors: The Immigrant Experience
19:45 - Military Life: Lessons from Combat
29:52 - Navigating Conflict and Ethics in National Security
About LTC Alexander Vindman:
Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Purple Heart recipient, and Iraq War veteran. He served as Director of European Affairs for the National Security Council from 2018–2020. His testimony during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump made him a central figure in one of the most consequential moments in modern American political history.
About Your Host:
Robert Asencio is a retired Police Captain, former Florida State Representative, and U.S. Army Veteran with over 34 years of combined service. On Vets and Badges, he sits down with veterans, first responders, and leaders to bring you the real stories behind the uniform.
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VAB - 2026
