283. LIVE EVENT: The Launch Of American Veterans for Ukraine. The Heroic Founders and Ukrainian Heroes. Celebrating Bill Walton. Role Models and Coach Wooden’s Two Sets of Three. Nikki Haley Folds. RFK Jr Complains About Debate. Biden Blows it on Weed.

Last week you heard from Bonnie Carroll about her work with host Paul Rieckhoff to create the American Veterans for Ukraine organization. Immediately after recording that show, in advance of Memorial Day, at a historic event at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., five leading voices from the American veterans community formally announced the formation of a groundbreaking new veterans organization focused on supporting victory in Ukraine. American Veterans for Ukraine, is a groundbreaking new effort from our host, Paul Rieckhoff, and past guests of the show Bonnie Carroll, Matt Gallagher, Adrian Bonenberger and Nolan Peterson.

Along with the AVU Founders, attendees heard from Hope for Ukraine CEO, Yuriy Boyechko, Co-Founder of TAPS Ukraine and reserve Lieutenant in the Ukrainian military, Yuliya Dmytrova, as well as Katherine Semenyuk, a Ukrainian American military chaplain who on the first day of the Russian invasion, gave birth to her fifth child in a bunker, embodying the spirit of survival and determination. A video statement was also presented from Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret) and 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.

AVU’s five Co-Founders are known worldwide for their commitment to America, to the veterans community, and to issues of national security, global security, and peace. They represent a deep and diverse scope of backgrounds and are combining efforts to meet this critical moment in American and global history.

It was an inspiring event and we want you to join us.

Days before AVU launched another great organization hosted a gala as IAVA Salutes had another great event in support of their noble cause. As we reflect on Memorial Day, please keep organizations like IAVA and TAPS in mind. They are the helpers. And sometimes the helpers need a little help.

And one more thing to keep in mind as you navigate the chaos as we pay tribute to the great Bill Walton, a true American hero who did it his own way. A true icon and a great Independent American. Thank you for changing the game and making life more fun for all of us.

Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 

-Visit American Veterans For Ukraine and join the fight.

- Support TAPS and their efforts to help bereaved families.

-Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 

-WATCH video of the AVU Conference.

-Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.

-Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. 

Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

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