347. David Bellavia (Replay). The Sole Living Medal of Honor Recipient of the Iraq War. Combat is Not Like The Movies. Who’s A Bigger Threat - Libertarians or Liberals? Time Does Not Heal All Wounds. Live the Life You’re Supposed to Live.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Righteous Media | Bleav

Veteran, Daily News, National Security, Politics, News Commentary, News

4.6 • 907 Ratings

🗓️ 14 August 2025

⏱️ 84 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Our throwback August continues as we go way back to Episode 33 with Paul’s fascinating conversation with the sole living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War. It’s a hell of a distinction–and a hell of a conversation. Take some time and listen to this timeless talk about war, humanity and the drive to push forward, even after horrific loss. From inside the very cool Classic Car Club in Manhattan. In a raw and powerful conversation, Paul sits down with David Bellavia, the first living Medal of Honor recipient for the Iraq War. David is a man Paul has known for years and a true American hero. But this isn't a conversation about glory and medals; it's a raw, honest discussion about the weight of sacrifice, the nature of heroism, and the deep, often painful, bonds forged in combat. Bellavia, an unapologetic conservative and proud New Yorker, doesn't shy away from the hard truths. He reflects on his time in Iraq, the emotional burden of the Medal of Honor, and the painful division among veterans that "ripped the soul" out of him. This is a candid discussion about the complexities of a war many Americans want to forget, the burden of being a "courier" for the fallen, and the love and loyalty that truly fuel a soldier's fight. Bellavia’s perspective is a crucial reminder that at the end of the day, it’s not about politics—it's about the men and women to your left and right. And it’s good perspective and inspiration to absorb as we get into the final weeks of summer. And be sure to watch on YouTube and see Paul and David check out some classic cars! -WATCH video of Paul and David’s conversation. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/

Transcript

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0:00.0	Power by Righteous Media.
0:15.9	Welcome to Independent Americans.
0:18.9	Welcome to episode 347. I'm your host, Paul Reichoff. All August,
0:25.6	we have been replaying some of our very favorite conversations from way, way back in this show.
0:30.8	And we're going to do that again this episode with one that I really love and one that I think we
0:34.3	really need. We've all been looking for heroes. We've all been
0:37.8	looking for leaders. We've all been looking for courage. In the midst of all the anxiety and the
0:42.4	stress, we've got to look to our heroes sometimes for a boost. And this August, I'm going to
0:47.2	share it with you in an episode from 2019 with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, David Belavilla.
0:53.5	We sat down at the classic car club like we often did back in the day, and we broke it down.
0:57.9	It's an extended conversation.
0:59.5	It's an inspiring conversation, and it's an important conversation.
1:02.7	I hope it helps you get through this summer, and I hope this summer you're taking a bit of a break for your own mental health,
1:08.6	and to rejuvenate you for the fights that are to come this fall.
1:12.2	So here it is.
1:12.9	From 2019, my conversation with the great David Belavia.
1:17.3	Stay vigilant.
1:26.7	Ladies and gentlemen, angry Americans worldwide, we have an incredibly honored guest to be with us today.
1:34.3	I am humbled, I am grateful, I am inspired.
1:38.3	The first ever medal of honor recipient we've ever had on this show and a man I've known for many years.
1:46.0	That's right.
1:46.6	And admire.
	...

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