Cunningham: "When you think things aren't going your way, they're going God's way."

Former Congressman Cunningham pardoned by outgoing President Trump; now lives in Arkansas.

Early Wednesday, Jan., 20, 2021, Randy picked up his telephone from his home — a town in Pulaski County, Arkansas. “Duke, what do you think?” Quickly spitting out the words in rapid fire. “Oh, hi, how are you, it’s Ninette!”

He chuckled.

“Many people helped to make this happen. Newt Gingrich spoke directly to Vice President Mike Pence, along with several other requesting the [partial] pardon,” Duke said about the 2 a.m. phone call he received about the pardon.

He served 20 years in the military. He was a Naval Officer and decorated fighter pilot — and the first Ace of the Vietnam War. After the war, he was the TOPGUN commanding officer at NAS Miramar, California.

For 14 years, 1991-2005, he represented the U.S. House of Representatives 50th District (San Diego County. In 2005, he was sentenced to eight years in an Arizona prison for tax evasion, conspiracy and taking $2.4 million in bribes.

After completing the “Check Six: The Duke Cunningham Story” documentary he was living alone with his two terriers, volunteering, and making new friends through church and the community.

He has since remarried, relocated, appreciates the second chance in life, and has paid restitution.