The two scenes are familiar, though separated by 32 years: A lieutenant colonel, a rank that takes nearly 20 years to attain, raises his hand and swears to tell the truth before a congressional committee about appropriations shenanigans he was aware of as a result of his role on the staff of the National Security Council. He wears his service uniform adorned with ribbons signifying where he’s served and fought, as well as several personal awards. Those include a Purple Heart for injuries received in combat against an enemy of the United States. It’s the United States’ oldest award, originally presented to members of George Washington’s Continental Army and called the Badge of Military Merit. Today’s medal bears a profile of our first president.

Lt. Col. Oliver North gestures while testifying before the joint House-Senate panels investigating the Iran-contra affair on Capitol Hill, on July 11, 1987 in Washington. (AP Photo/John Duricka)ASSOCIATED PRESS

In the earlier scene, Oliver North testified in 1987 about a scheme to illegally sell arms to Iran and divert proceeds from those sales to rebel groups in Nicaragua. Although one of the scheme’s objectives was admirable – to free U.S. hostages held in Lebanon – Lt. Col. North misstated facts and withheld critical information in his testimony, such as orders he gave to his secretary to shred documents important to the investigation. In short, with the legacy of the man who legend has it “cannot tell a lie” on his breast, and having sworn to tell the truth, Lt. Col. North lied.

As a result, he was indicted on 16 felony counts and convicted of three (though his convictions were later vacated and reversed). Things worked out well for him, though, as he landed book deals, launched a radio show, and is a regular paid speaker at corporate and political events. He’s often looked at by conservative politicians and personalities as an inspiring role model. It was once said of him, “If Colonel North broke any rules, he will stand up and take it as the Marine he is. But I say, if Colonel North ripped off the ayatollah and took some $30 million to give to the contras, God Bless Colonel North.”

Fast forward to the present as Congress sought answers about the withholding of appropriated funds to Ukraine, and another lieutenant colonel who had firsthand knowledge of the events was thrust into the spotlight. Like Oliver North, Alexander Vindman came before Congress in his service uniform, his Purple Heart ribbon atop the rows of other awards from his years of service. But instead of choosing to obfuscate facts, frustrate the investigation, and protect others who may have broken the law – i.e., lie – Lt. Col. Vindman volunteered the truth about what he heard on a now-infamous phone call.

Frank "Gus" Biggio served with the Marines in Afghanistan in 2009.

For his candor, Lt. Col. Vindman was mocked and pilloried by Republican politicians, conservative commentators, and even the White House. The party and people who so proudly wrap themselves in patriotic rhetoric and symbolic gestures of support for our military took no shame in questioning the loyalties and patriotism of Lt. Col. Vindman, even mocking his decision to wear his service uniform during his testimony. Character attacks were part of the Republicans’ arsenal during his testimony, including U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio claiming that one of Lt. Col. Vindman’s former bosses questioned his judgment – only to be rebuffed by Lt. Col. Vindman’s recitation of that commander’s most recent evaluation of him as being an officer who is “brilliant, unflappable and exercises excellent judgment.”

Lt. Col. Vindman was praised for his service by recently retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, among others. But so many other politicians and media figures chose to impugn him, or just remain silent in the wake of the baseless character attacks against him. The vindictiveness would be funny if it was part of a Monty Python skit, but instead is frightening because it is so real. Among other things, Lt. Col. Vindman’s family’s safety was threatened simply because he reported the truth.

With the impeachment trial in the Senate now over, President Donald Trump has begun a purge of everybody who had the nerve – and integrity – to shed light on the events that he and his supporters have tried so hard to keep in the dark, with Lt. Col. Vindman and his brother among the first to go. It’s too early to tell how Lt. Col. Vindman will be regarded by history, or whether he’ll enjoy the esteem in some circles that Lt. Col. North enjoyed after he became a household name. But I hope I speak for millions of Americans when I say to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman: Thank you for your courage, your integrity, and your service.

Frank “Gus” Biggio, an Ohio native, served with the Marines in Afghanistan in 2009.

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