American Shield

The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy

By: Susan Shapiro, Aquilino Gonell

Narrated by: Robb Moreira

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Set against the extraordinary events of January 6, 2021, Aquilino Gonell’s inspirational memoir is rooted in the joys and struggles of the immigrant experience that have long defined the American experiment

Aquilino 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.

©2023 Aquilino Gonell and Susan Shapiro (P)2023 Recorded Books

Sgt Gonels bravery

I loved how Sgt Gonel's family hx was artfully weaved into Jan 6th story of bravery

Detailed and compelling

Thank you, Officer Gonnell for telling your story of immigration, courage, and disillusionment, and conviction. You are a true hero.

Brave

Inspiring story of someone who deserved more from his country and government. We can do better!

Incredibly powerful and moving book!

It was heartbreaking reading the story of Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell. This man, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, enlisted in the Army, served a tour in Iraq, became a U.S. Citizen, and then joined the Capitol Police Dept. The events of January 6, he describes as far worse than anything he experienced during his time in the Iraq War.

It horrifies me that so many people still downplay the events of that day, calling it a "hoax", or a "peaceful protest", or simply say it was "no big deal". Those people, more than any, need to read this book, but I doubt any will.

This book is utterly worth your time!

The sergeant's patriotism

This is a really important read and a very good story... It'd be great if this is actually taught in class as a lesson in american modern history

A real hero

I hate the horrors our country goes through daily from Donald Trump and the Maga liars who support him

Thank you for your service

My fellow Army veteran and brother in blue. I thank you for your services and your brave words to express during your difficult time since Jan 6. It’s a shame that we are in a beautiful country that because one party dont see what everyone else does makes everything so difficult for all. God bless hermano. Que dios te bendiga siempre hermano.

Not a J6 Story

This was my review but “disappeared”, strange:
I was expecting to find out what happened during J6 from somebody on the inside, but no, the story is about a whining immigrant who wants to make you feel pity with a bunch of J6 unrelated stories and shouldn’t have been an officer of the law in the first place.