Drago Dzieran: The Pledge to America

Sep 13, 2023

Retired Navy SEAL Drago Dzieran shares his journey from political prisoner to U.S. Navy SEAL. Topics discussed include childhood experiences in communist Poland, financial tools provided by Navy Federal Credit Union, surviving poverty and smuggling, reflections on Navy SEAL training, and the importance of unity in American society.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Childhood Memories: Burning Wheat Fields and Communist Power

02:50 • 28min

Growing Up, Financial Tools, and the Role of Violence

31:16 • 3min

Boxing Club and Father Figures

33:52 • 23min

Surviving Poverty and Smuggling

57:06 • 7min

From Prison to Freedom

01:03:48 • 29min

From Janitor to Successful Mechanic: A Mentorship Story

01:32:28 • 12min

The Benefit of the Pod Cover by Eight Sleep and Personal Determination

01:44:51 • 2min

Reflections and Resilience in Navy SEAL Training

01:46:57 • 14min

Reminiscing on First Meetings and Experiences

02:01:16 • 23min

Finding Healing and Hope: A Journey of Mental Health

02:24:14 • 7min

Hope for the Future and the Importance of Unity

02:31:39 • 4min

Gratitude and Promotion

02:35:09 • 5min

Today’s guest is Drago Dzieran.

Drago is an author, entrepreneur, retired Navy SEAL, and former political prisoner.

Born in communist Poland, Drago immigrated to the United States in 1984 after being imprisoned for his political activism against the oppressive regime.

Drago enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1991. Over his 20 years in the SEAL Teams, he served as a member of SEAL Team 2, SEAL Team 4, and as a BUD/s Instructor. He took part in over 100 combat missions in Iraq, earning the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor, and the Army Commendation Medal.

After his military retirement, Drago started a career as a software engineer. Additionally, he founded the Navy SEALs Fund – Brotherhood Beyond Battlefield, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing the financial burden of all UDT/SEAL teammates, including Gold Star Families who need assistance. He also founded ConnectZing, a censorship-free social media network.

Drago’s memoir, The Pledge to America: One Man’s Journey from Political Prisoner to U.S. Navy SEAL, is out now.

To learn more about Drago, follow him on Instagram @dragodzieran and visit dragodzieran.com.

SPONSORS:

Navy Federal Credit Union: Today’s episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org

PARD: Go to www.pard.com to get your TD32 Multi-Spectral Riflescope today and follow @PARD_USA.

8 Sleep: Go to eightsleep.com/DangerClose and save $150 on the Pod Cover

Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today’s episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Purchase at http://www.blackriflecoffee.com/dangerclose and use code: dangerclose20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase and your first coffee club order!

Danger Close Apparel: Check out the new Danger Close apparel.

Featured Gear

SIG: Today’s featured gear segment is sponsored by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here.

Featured Gear

SIG: Today’s featured gear segment is sponsored by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here.

SIG Sauer Cross Rifle

Sig Sauer Optic

G Shock Watch

Black Rifle Coffee Silencer Smooth Blend