Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Alex Vindman is a 21-year U.S. Army combat veteran who served his country in the military and as a national security expert working for presidents of both parties. He and his family left the Soviet Union as refugees when he was three years old in search of freedom and opportunity in America. As a combat infantryman, Alex was wounded in Iraq and awarded a Purple Heart. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Alex led hundreds of people in high-pressure situations where lives depended on people devoted to the mission and not themselves. His military service took him from the battlefield to the Pentagon and the White House, where he served as a Director on the National Security Council staff. During his time on the National Security Council, Alex witnessed a corrupt and illegal abuse of power by a president intent on undermining an election. He reported the wrongdoing as was his duty, defending the Constitution as he was sworn to do. His decision to blow the whistle led to the 2019 impeachment of President Trump and ultimately cost him his 21-year military career after Trump sought retribution and fired him. After his Army career Alex dedicated himself to public service outside of uniform, helping veterans run for office so they can serve as a check on corruption and abuse of power.