Aquilino Gonell was a young man when he came to the United States from the Dominican Republic. Although he did not speak English, he dedicated himself to his new adopted land, fighting to achieve the happy American dream. His resolve to achieve a life of success led him to enlist in the army, as a way to pay for his college studies. After fighting in Iraq, he returned to the US with PTSD, but continued to trust in the government's promises, and focused on his family and the healing process. His labors bore fruit when he earned a highly coveted position with the United States Capitol Police in Washington, DC, and rose to the rank of sergeant. Everything changed forever on January 6, 2021. When insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Sergeant Gonell bravely did not surrender to those who tried to thwart the peaceful transfer of power. The brutal injuries he suffered that day would end his career as a police officer. But just when some of the same politicians that the sergeant defended tried to deny the true story of that day, he chose to denounce the injustice that he suffered as well as the country. A chronicle of what it means to live a principled life, one that adheres to the best notions of our democracy, American Shield is a shining testimony to the power, truth, justice and responsibility from the mouth of a decorated officer and immigrant who illustrates the best aspirations of a grateful nation.
