Here, Right Matters

An American Story

By: Alexander Vindman

Narrated by: Alexander Vindman, Jacques Roy

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who found himself at the center of a firestorm for his decision to report the infamous phone call that led to presidential impeachment, tells his own story for the first time. Here, Right Matters is a stirring account of Vindman's childhood as an immigrant growing up in New York City, his career in service of his new home on the battlefield and at the White House, and the decisions leading up to, and fallout surrounding, his exposure of President Trump's abuse of power.

0900, Thursday, July 25, 2019: President Trump called Ukraine’s President Zelensky, supposedly to congratulate him on his recent victory. In the months that followed, the American public would only learn what happened on that call because Alexander Vindman felt duty-bound to report it up the chain of command: that the President of the United States had extorted a foreign ally to damage a political challenger at home. Vindman’s actions and subsequent testimony before congress would lead to Trump’s impeachment and affirm Vindman's belief that he had done the right thing in the face of intense pressure to stay silent. But it would come at an enormous cost, straining relationships with colleagues, superiors, and even his own father, and eventually end his decorated career in the US Army, by a Trump administration intent on retribution.

Here, Right Matters is Vindman’s proud, passionate, and candid account of his family, his career, and the moment of truth he faced for his nation. As an immigrant, raised by a father who fled the Soviet Union in pursuit of a better life for his children, Vindman learned about respect for truth throughout his education and military service. As this memoir makes clear, his decision to speak up about the July 25th call was never a choice: it was Vindman’s duty, as a naturalized citizen and member of the armed forces. In the wake of his testimony, he would endure furious partisan attacks on his record and his loyalty. But far louder was the extraordinary chorus of support from citizens who were collectively intent on reaffirming an abiding American commitment to integrity.

In the face of a sure-fire career derailment and public excoriation, Vindman heeded the lessons from the people and institutions who instilled in him the moral compass and the courage to act decisively. Like so many other American immigrant families, the Vindmans had to learn to build a life from scratch and take big risks to achieve important goals. Here, Right Matters is about the quiet heroes who keep us safe; but, above all, it is a call to arms for those who refuse to let America betray its true self.

Excellent

Thank you Lt. Col. Vindman. You are an inspiration. You courage, loyalty, grit and kindness for our country and your family is aspiring. I thank you for your service, this book, and your testimony. You make me proud. I wish you and your family every success.

This book was amazing. I highly recommend it.

This man is an example for us all.

Courageous and committed to America this story encourages us all to value our democracy and protect it.

Very interesting read

The magnitude of the decisions Lt Col Vindman made were so very important in maintaining the integrity of our democracy. And yet…he never wavered once.
I cannot adequately express in words how much respect and admiration I have for Lt Col Vindman & for all of the people that supported him. True American heroes

we need more people like this man.

I remember the day when Alexander Vindman testified publicly. I was impressed with him then. I am so glad that I took the time to listen to this book. this man is a true patriot, and one who has dedicated his life to serving his adopted country. a man of genuine integrity.

unlike a few other books I have listened to recently, the narrator obviously read this book and gained an understanding of the whole thing before he attempted to record his narration. listening to a narrator who knows what he or she is doing is a real pleasure.

A Wonderful Tale of What America Ought To Be!

Vindman tells his story which reads like a traditional American success story, until he runs afoul of the Trump Trash Train. From there it is a sad tale of corruption and revenge from the GOP/Trumpers. Fortunately, Vindman is able to rise above it albeit not unscathed. It’s a great read! Thank you Colonel Vindman for your service and your strong moral compass.