Chris Herrod, a Utah legislator with a unique background, shared his personal journey and insights on Ukraine during a recent meeting in Highland. Herrod, who graduated with a master's in organizational behavior in 1992, recounted his early experiences in Ukraine shortly after the Soviet Union's collapse. His story began on a flight to Kharkov, where he was introduced to the culture and beauty of Ukraine, leading to a life-changing marriage just four months later.

Herrod emphasized his commitment to public service, noting his impressive 82% grassroots support during his 2017 campaign, the highest among his peers. He reflected on his competitive spirit, mentioning his achievements in fencing and ballroom dancing, which highlight his dedication to excellence in various fields.

In a candid discussion, Herrod critiqued the current state of truth and misinformation in America, drawing parallels to his academic experiences. He expressed concern over the departure from the scientific method in public discourse, suggesting that many discussions today lack factual grounding. He shared anecdotes from his time in academia, illustrating how data from the Soviet Union was often fabricated, a lesson he believes is relevant to today's political climate.

Herrod also recounted encounters with notable figures, including Viktor Yushchenko, the former Ukrainian president poisoned by Putin, and Viktor Belenko, the MiG pilot who defected to the West. These experiences, he noted, have shaped his understanding of Ukraine's complex history and the importance of truthful narratives.

As he concluded, Herrod reaffirmed his passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, hoping to inspire others to seek truth in an era marked by misinformation. His reflections serve as a reminder of the vital role that accurate information plays in shaping public perception and policy.