We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.
Fast and furious, this American tradition features tiny tots riding woolly wonder beasts.
Jamie Poindexter’s drumline is bringing together a tough neighborhood with a joyful beat.
A barista gives a kidney to a complete stranger, giving her the ultimate pick-me-up.
Raised by migrant farm workers, Jose Hernandez used hard work and a big heart to reach the stars.
Monica Haslip’s afterschool program is creating artists and serious entrepreneurs.
Michael Reagan and his Fallen Heroes Project provides closure for the families left behind.
This shoe shine man is changing the world through his Clean Water Foundation.
Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.
A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun!
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.
She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.
She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.
Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”
A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.
She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.
As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.
She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.
Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.
Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.
They adopted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.
Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.
He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.
She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.
A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.
The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.
A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.
A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.
Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.
He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.
The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.
Mr. Robledo recently purchased land and began growing grapes in Lake County, CA . The owners of another nearby winery suggested that I visit Robledo’s new tasting room near Kelseyville, where I enjoyed several excellent wines.
The next evening, by pure chance, I was dining with my wife and some friends at a local restaurant. We were enjoying one of Robledo’s whites, when the restaurant owner brought over a gentleman from another table. It was Renaldo Robledo, and he was so happy that we were enjoying his wine that he spent almost half an hour chatting with us, and sharing the premium cabernet that he was drinking with his family.
He is very humble, and determined to see that his children all grow up understanding what hard work and diligence will bring. His peers in the California wine industry admire and respect him. What more can one ask for? He is an American now, but proud of his heritage.
Sorry about that Daniel, my comment was actually directed to Jimmy Combs.
Daniel, why don’t you look at things in a more positive light? Instead of criticizing his lack of mastery of English, how about taking inspiration from watching a video of a person pursuing their dream against odds and becoming successful? If a poor immigrant worker can become financially successful and leave a legacy for his family – notwithstanding his lack of superb English language skills – you can achieve your version of success as well. Mr. Robledo is one of many examples that hard work, dreaming big, having courage and positive thinking can help you achieve your highest potential. May God bless you and everyone who takes the leap of faith to pursue their passion.
It was a great story right up until the last. If this country has given him all this and his native country didn’t , then why does he still fly the mexican flag. If he is so proud of mexico go back.
I really liked this story, it made my morning.
What stands out the most to me is how America gave this guy a chance to be more than he could be in his own country. And now, even after over sixty years, his command of our language is pathetic. How sad. You’re welcome, mister Robledo…
Mr. Robledo, senior, is one of the few immigrants who come to this country and found the formula to success: hard work, unless some of his former fellow countrymen who come through the illicit back door, breaking laws and never wanting to become part of the country. One can also tell that his family is likewise successful because they followed that formula. He reminds me of a Cuban cigar roller who also formed his own country much like Mr. Robledo. He left Cuba in 1959, after the takeover by the communists. His name is Roberto Ramirez of La Herentia Cigars of Ybor City, FL. Like Mr. Robledo, Mr. Ramirez found his success in continuing the tradition of cigar making in historic Ybor City. He comments that his heart will always be in Cuba but today, he considers himself an American. I’d like to buy a bottle of wine and a cigar from each family and imbibe in both at the same time toast them as a symbolic gesture of the phenomenon of become a successful American.
What an amazing story and an amazing family! I pray for their continued success.