Aquilino Gonell's remarkable journey from a young Dominican immigrant to an American hero is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an individual determined to uphold the values of duty and democracy. His life story, beautifully told in the memoir "American Shield," has garnered praise from prominent figures, including Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the United States House of Representatives, who hailed it as "an all-American tale of duty and determination."
Born in the Dominican Republic, Aquilino Gonell arrived in the United States as a young boy, facing the daunting challenge of adapting to a new culture and language. Despite his initial struggle with the English language, Gonell possessed an unwavering dedication to his adopted homeland and the pursuit of the American dream.With a steadfast commitment to realizing his ambitions, Gonell made the life-altering decision to join the United States Army, using this opportunity to pay for his college education. His journey as a soldier took him to the front lines in Iraq, where he faced the perils of war and returned home with the emotional scars of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Undeterred by his challenges, he believed in the promise of the American government and directed his efforts towards healing himself and supporting his family...