As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a new podcast hosted by a retired military veteran seeks to highlight the diversity that defines the nation’s armed forces. This initiative also underscores the significant roles played by leaders across various sectors, including corporate, education, and healthcare, in shaping America’s journey toward a more inclusive society.
Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Don L. Scott, who hosts the podcast titled US@250&YOU, launched the show on April 23. The podcast aims to explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have contributed to the nation’s pursuit of a “more perfect union.”
“I have lived through 16 presidents, World War II, racial segregation, the civil rights movement, Korea, Vietnam, 9/11, and the Gulf Wars,” Scott shared with Military.com. “I am a living testament to how America has evolved to include all of its citizens.”
At 88 years old, Scott identifies as “an American of African descent” and expresses concern about divisive rhetoric aimed at immigrant and minority communities. Through his podcast, he hopes to remind listeners of the crucial contributions made by these groups in building the nation.
“I’m not making a political statement with this podcast,” he clarified. “What my intentions are is to give the listeners an opportunity to understand what the Declaration of Independence means today. I want to give light to the founders who were not inclusive in 1776, but had the vision to point us toward inclusion.”
Weekly Podcast Tackles ‘National Divide’
Each 30-minute episode of Scott’s weekly podcast reflects on America’s progress while examining its founding ideals. The focus is on evaluating these principles in the present and envisioning their future trajectory.
Scott is particularly interested in addressing what he refers to as the “national divide.”
The internal divisions within the three branches of federal government today represent the most serious threat to American democracy in America’s 250-year history. US@250YOU will provide listeners with expert commentary and insight on why DEI efforts have helped our nation evolve and realize its promise of opportunities for all.
The podcast, available on Spotify, combines commentary with historical insights. Scott and his guests guide listeners through America’s complex history, acknowledging the nation’s contradictory beginnings.
“The founders, several of them were slave owners,” Scott told Military.com. “Yet they had this inspiration that this county that we were building is going to be a nation where all men and women are created equal. That was their ideal.”
Scott emphasizes that throughout America’s 250-year history, various leaders have worked to actualize the founders’ ideals. “I don’t want the current political climate to derail our progress as a nation,” he said. “I am so intent on making sure people understand the power of America in creating opportunities for minorities and immigrants. That’s our strength.”
Speaking From Experience
Drawing from his own experiences, Scott shared his personal journey in the podcast’s inaugural episode.
He joined the Army in 1960, a period when no African-American generals served in the reserves or active forces. By the time he retired in 1991, several had achieved that rank, himself included.
“That’s progress, even though it was slow,” he remarked. “It takes 20 years on average to rise to the level of a brigadier general, no matter what color you are,” he noted. “I give great credit to Harry Truman, the president who integrated the military. The diversity you see in our ranks today is because of him.”
Scott’s military career spanned 31 years, during which he commanded numerous troops in the U.S., Germany, Okinawa, and Vietnam. He also managed planning for the 1996 Olympics and helped establish the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
Beyond the military, Scott served as the CEO and deputy librarian at the Library of Congress and established The Veterans History Project at the American Folklife Center. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in graphic arts from Lincoln University in Missouri, a master’s degree in counseling and human development from Troy State University, and an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University.
Looking to the future, Scott envisions an America where opportunity reigns, free from social barriers.
“I think the United States could become the only nation in the world where race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation does not define who is American,” he stated. “Instead, behavior, character, knowledge, and a belief in human equality could be the standard.
“I believe we can get there.”
