Book Review: Here, Right Matters: An American Story by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alexander Vindman

On July 25th, 2019 a call between then president Donald Trump and newly elected Ukrainian President Zelinsky took place. Seemingly out of the blue, President Trump asked a favor of President Zelinsky. The favor? Open an investigation into soon-to-be Democratic presidential opponent Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. During this call, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman and other administration officials were in the room where this happened.

What transpired in the time before the now infamous call and afterward is outlined in Vindman’s new book Here, Right Matters: An American Story. Vindman’s book tells his family’s story of immigrating to the United States from Ukraine and how he garnered national attention when he testified in Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearing.

Vindman’s memoir showcases the importance of standing on principles and not being afraid to speak the truth even if your voice shakes. A decorated military officer veteran, Vindman served in South Korea, Germany, and Iraq. In 2018, Vindman joined the National Security Council as the director for European affairs. It was during his time as director that Vindman would find himself called to uphold the oath he took as a member of the military. On the July 25th call, Vindman bore witness to the United States commander in chief committing an impeachable offense and Vindman chose to do the right thing and report the incident.

In Here, Right Matters, Vidman weaves lessons learned during his military career and from his father throughout the pages and uses it as support for the reason why he felt compelled to report Trump’s infraction up the chain of command.

An unlikely American hero, Vindman offers readers insight into the consequences of his actions and how seemingly overnight he became a public figure. Vindman’s American story is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the events leading up to Trump’s call with Ukraine and the risks Vindman took to uphold his oath to the Constitution and protecting America from enemies both foreign and domestic. Taking the principled stand isn’t for the faint of heart, but as Vindman reminds the reader, anyone can do it and make a lasting impact in our world.