Jack xxxxxx,

There has been a lot to digest in these last two weeks. Career foreign service officers, active duty military, and even one of Trump’s own millionaire donors all testified that the President failed to put country before self in his dealings with Ukraine.

While the talking heads on network television spar over the future of the Trump presidency and the integrity of each witness, I wanted to highlight the moment I found most profound.

Lieutenant Colonel Vindman’s father fled the Soviet Union with his three young sons after the death of their mother. All three brothers went on to serve in the United States military.

His father, having grown up under an authoritarian government, was worried about the safety of his son for coming forward with damning evidence about the President’s illegal acts. So, in his opening statement, Lt. Col. Vindman assured his father directly, saying, “I will be fine for telling the truth.”

That moment reminded all Americans that the ideals of truth and freedom are alive and well. And when you speak truth to power, you should not have to worry about retaliation from our own government.

I stand with Lt. Col. Vindman and all of those who came forward to uncover the President’s wrongdoing.

Proud to be an American,

Kim Olson, Col, USAF, ret.