Afghan Interpeter UPDATED

Victory

Victory

Pagan Raider
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 14, 2005
1,267
347
Making bad guys nervous
#1
Well after two years of trying, my interpreter from Afghanistan got his Special Immigrant Visa, and will be coming to America. I truly owe my life to him, no one I have ever met is as genuine as he is. He has been an interpreter for SS platoons for 8 years, going from one platoon to the next when a new group would come in. He has been in more fire fights and missions than probably any soldier in the military. 8 years straight of working for the teams and he has finally earned his permanent residence here. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about what he has sacrificed for our country. His extended family would kill him if he ever went home due to his working with the Americans, and the bad guys around him are already hunting down the interpreters as the troops have been pulling out. He will be leaving Afghanistan soon and traveling here. He will be living with me until he can enlist in the American Military, which is what he wants to do. I'm really beyond words and just wanted to share this with you guys, he is one of the unsung heroes of the war.

EDITED: I created and added a location to donate to. Every penny from this site will go to Safi when he gets here to pay for clothes, food, or whatever he needs until he can get a job. He is using all the money he has to get here, so he will be showing up with the clothes on his back and probably a suitcase of some sort. I will update with pictures when he arrives and keep everyone in the loop. Please feel free to share this with anyone and anywhere you like. Thanks for the Idea on doing this, it will help him tremendously.

Help a Hero | Other - YouCaring.com

Added a couple more pictures for this site, that I'm not going to put on the donation page.

<a href="http://imgur.com/H95OM4m"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/H95OM4m.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/khvLbjC"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/khvLbjC.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>
dQPXksV.jpg

Kk0t5cV.jpg
 
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#3
Afghan Interpeter Coming to America

Awesome! That is the kind of immigrant that our country needs more of. If he ever comes to Michigan send me a PM and tell him to look me up.
 
#4
Graham said:
Awesome! That is the kind of immigrant that our country needs more of.
Click to expand...

Absofuckinglutely! Good on you and your teammates for taking the effort to push that through. There are so many in both Iraq and A'stan that I think have earned that option yet aren't actually given it.
 
#8
It might be rough for him transitioning, but we are all going to be here for him. I can't wait to drive him home from the airport and just sit in my back yard pool side and watch him smile. Everything here is going to blow his mind. The only thing he knows of America is what he has seen in movies, which is how he taught himself English, and from the stories we have told him. I'm trying to research jobs other than the military for him right now. He can speak and read Dari, Pashto, Pashi, Urdu, Arabic, and English. I'm guessing his skills are greatly needed, just have to find the right connections for him. He was the only interpreter I ever met there that could speak Pashi. I've explained that he can do whatever he would like though, in America, you can be anything you are willing to work for.

I'm in the process of locating other Afghans in the area that will be willing to help with his acclamation to America. I figured they will be able to provide insight that I won't be able to. Luckily there are a couple of Mosques nearby that I have found, so that is covered. Anyway I'm really pumped, the girlfriend isn't as excited,but she understands.
 
#11
There will be a lot of contract jobs (stateside, not PMC OCONUS) and govvy positions in the 3 letter agencies for someone with his language skillsets. If you want you can PM me for my email and send me his resume when he has it ready. I will toss it into our company system and see if I can help him out. It's the least I can do for someone that has done so much for our brothers.
 
#13
probably one of the best things would be to see about how he can get a degree from a local community college. I imagine he lacks any real foundational education that would enable him to truly branch out and realize his potential whether it's in civvie or .mil world. He clearly has a superior capacity to learn so max that out.

On the mosque side I'd be worried that there may be some cultural backlash against him becaue of his past. Things like that depend on the imam to some degree. No idea on how to vet for that though.

Additionally, he'd probably be welcomed warmly by the UN in almost any humanitarian capacity on the ground in the country he's leaving. Not sure if that would be too much of a head fuck.

Regardless - a great post, a great result and true role model of an American.
 
#14
Sfsigo- will do.

2nd- no family coming. He was in an arranged marriage, but decided he didn't want to stay there and marry her. Me and the guys in my platoon are the only people he knows here.

EH- school is defiantly something I want to introduce him to. Not sure how he will be accepted at the mosque here, so I didn't use his name and will let him vet them. He has an uncanny ability to do that already so no worries. Just wanted to make sure there were places for him to go do his thing.
 
#16
Proud to have him in the country! I can totally relate to this and some of my guys are headed this way as well. These guys risk so much in serving their country and aiding our efforts to help the Afghan people.
 
#17
Wow, thats friggin sweet. If either or both of yall are ever in the ATL, GA area send me a pm beforehand and Ill buy ya a beer or three or hit the range or something. Thank you for both of yall`s service sir.

Something about the way them mountain folk are raised in Afghanistan and similar environments seems to produce some good honest people most of the time excluding the enemy. Sad to say but Ive met nothing but snakes up here in the big city, a lot different from the people Im used to.
 
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#18
He saved your life, now you get the opportunity to return the favor.

East Coast of FL, there is an offshore fishing trip on me, waiting for you guys, just show up. This offer has no expiration date.

The best to both of you, OP.
 
#21
Victory said:
It might be rough for him transitioning, but we are all going to be here for him. I can't wait to drive him home from the airport and just sit in my back yard pool side and watch him smile. Everything here is going to blow his mind. The only thing he knows of America is what he has seen in movies, which is how he taught himself English, and from the stories we have told him. I'm trying to research jobs other than the military for him right now. He can speak and read Dari, Pashto, Pashi, Urdu, Arabic, and English. I'm guessing his skills are greatly needed, just have to find the right connections for him. He was the only interpreter I ever met there that could speak Pashi. I've explained that he can do whatever he would like though, in America, you can be anything you are willing to work for.

I'm in the process of locating other Afghans in the area that will be willing to help with his acclamation to America. I figured they will be able to provide insight that I won't be able to. Luckily there are a couple of Mosques nearby that I have found, so that is covered. Anyway I'm really pumped, the girlfriend isn't as excited,but she understands.
Click to expand...

What state do you live in? People local to you might be the best place to start with for getting him a network. For example I know a place in Oregon that specializes in translating documents and normally is looking for people with language skills.
 
#22
Yes, a smart and brave guy he is. America has lots of room for people like him. I also would recommend that he take a low keyed job to help him adjust to civilian life. He has obviously seen a lot.
 
#23
Not sure if its the way he wants to go but Im positive he wouldnt have any trouble getting a job in the private security/contracting arena. With that friggin language set?! Are you kidding me? Not to mention he obviously knows his way around a rifle. If he wants to work directly for the government though I could also see the CIA/NSA/DEA/etc snatching him up quick. This man has the potential to be involved in some really important shit going down around the globe nowadays; heck he already has been instrumental in important shit. I would take the opportunity and run with it though if I had the opportunity to be among the quiet few. With the experience he already has though, the private sector is where I would try to go honestly. More money in it so why not? Its not like the private contractors are doing any less of a service for the country than military troops. I dont see why some people have such a problem with them, private companies will always do a job more efficiently and cost-effectively than any government can.
 
#24
Reminds me of the Filipinos who sacrificed their lives for GI's in Bataan and Manilla during WWII. However they did not receive the benefits of naturalization or veteran medical benefits. I'm full on for this guy to come here and enjoy what he has fought for. I say a kickstarter account as this story is bigger than SH . I pledge to contribute and I know others will here as well.
 
#27
That's good shit brother. Two of the guys I worked with over here made it to Canada, which is much friendlier to the Terps trying to get out of this place. There's one more guy who's fighting the mountains of paperwork to get his Special admittance into the U.S. but may end up going to Canada (by way of Dubai) simply because he won't make it out of here before we leave and he CANNOT stay here afterwards.

The biggest ops the officers could dream up were made or broken with the Terps, and all to often our Government treats them as disposable. I'm glad your guy made it out. This place is about to reach a new level of stupid.
 
#28
As someone who has experienced this first hand as well, I'm glad to hear it! Our terp from Ar Rutbah emailed me a couple years ago saying he needed help once he got here. He stayed with my wife and I for 4 months before he went off to basic. I'm glad to see more stories like this, as some of our terps were just honost good people. If you need to pool a small fund or anything let me know, I wouldn't mind helping him get settled.
 
#31
I really appreciate the support guys. This is super hectic trying to plan for him coming and me and my fiancé having our first baby on Monday. He is trying to leave as soon as possible due to the turmoil the elections are causing right now, so he is trying to get a flight now. I'm going to try and set up a fund for him tonight, which isn't something I had thought about, but know it will be invaluable to help him get going. I'll try to get a hold of Frank to see if he will allow me to post it here.

Once again thanks for all the well wishes and support.
 
#32
Location is everything. My terp made it here and hates it because he is in Detroit, and even with an advanced degree now, gas stations and hotels are the only place willing to hire him. He is making headway though. I tried to get him to move in with me at the time but he had buddies in Detroit with a place set up for him. I really hope this goes well for both of you, please let me know if I can help either of you.
 
#33
Delta4-3 said:
Location is everything. My terp made it here and hates it because he is in Detroit, and even with an advanced degree now, gas stations and hotels are the only place willing to hire him. He is making headway though. I tried to get him to move in with me at the time but he had buddies in Detroit with a place set up for him. I really hope this goes well for both of you, please let me know if I can help either of you.
Click to expand...

That's why I'm saying Fremont as there are hella Afghans here and jobs in that community. And the ones here are progressive so he would probably be welcome.
 
#37
I'm located in Oklahoma, so once he gets here, we will start getting a resume together to put out to the many contacts that I have made already. He has expressed his desire to join the Military which I am all for, but I want to make sure he understands that he has more options than that, especially with his ability to speak the unique languages he does. It is all going to be on what he wants to do, I just want to have as many options and routes to investigate once he gets here.

EH: Thank you, I will make sure I update once I get more info. I hope the site I made does him justice, it was hard creating something like that. Asking for donations is not up my alley, but I think it will be invaluable for him. I'm also going to try and get a story with our local news if Safi approves. I don't want to put him too out there, but know the exposure will be beneficial for him, and other interpreters stuck in the SIV process.
 
#40
Delta4-3 said:
?.. My terp made it here and hates it because he is in Detroit.
Click to expand...

Not trying to be a smart ass and asking the following from ignorance. Apologies in advance if this is offensive as I don't want to offend these guys that have served honorably.

...but is Detroit the problem in this case. From what I understand the population there is unassimilated. When these honorable men come here and want to be part of the American Melting Pot than find themselves in a population that wants to establish Detroitastan that has to be a gigantic let down.

I imagine some cultural reminders would be beneficial but is too much of what they leave behind a problem?

OP I wish your friend the best. I've got to think the transition will be hard. A lot of the superficialness of American life will probably be a big let down to him as I imagine it is to some extent for our own soldiers that return from the immediate and real to the inconsequential and plastic atmosphere created by our individual freedom society.
 
#41
I've already spoke with him at length that America isn't perfect, and that there will be things he doesn't like about it.

Before we left, his niece, who was about 10 months old was burnt badly by a pot of boiling water being knocked over. He came to me with tears in his eyes asking if there was anything we could do. We scrounged up as much medical supplies we could, anything that would be beneficial, but fully knowing that the creams and other random stuff was not going to save her. She lasted for about a week before she passed from the burns. His family didn't have the money to get the care she needed, and in that environment it really wouldn't matter anyway. The look on his face when he told me she died will never leave my mind. Simple things like medical care that goes beyond a bottle of dye( the Afghans pour dye on everything to help it heal, no clue where this practice came from) is exactly why I want him here. Sure there are a lot of things that aren’t what we would like, but we have the opportunity to make our life exactly what we want. We can live in solitude in the Alaskan woods, or live in the heart of NYC. The sheer amount of options and opportunity is many times over looked by us because we are constantly bombarded by it; we become numb to how amazing our life is. Safi was offered a place in Houston with some other Terps that had made it here and he denied it. He wants to be American, he wants to be with the brothers he fought with and forged those bonds that are only created in combat. Safi trusts us, something he has a hard time doing with his own county men. On a mission once, we were inserted at around 10,000ft and packed as light as we could because we were going to be there for about 10 days. Packing light ended up being around 100lbs in just water, ammo, batteries, and essential gear. I happened to bring my poncho liner, while no one else brought anything to keep warm. We froze our asses off up there at night, wind just howling. We would take turns using my poncho liner, camo netting used for a hide, a signal panel, and two body bags that were used in a resupply speed ball to try and keep warm at night. While I was on my watch, I got out from under my poncho liner, and saw him next to me shivering on the ground. I took my poncho liner and cover him up. That next morning, Safi came to me and wouldn’t stop thanking me. He said that if this same situation would have happened, but it would have been his brothers instead of us, no one would have given him the liner. But I, an American, who barely knew him, gave my personal blanket to him to keep warm. This simple act of kindness blew his mind. Stuff like that is why he wants to come to the U.S. and become an American, small things that mean literally nothing to us.
 
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#42
Victory,

Great last post. I just donated to his cause. Safi might go more good for the side of justice if he was at DLI, or other non front line organization. He has spent more than his share of time on the front lines. Perhaps you could explain that to him. Either way, I donated today, and will donate more later.
 
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#43
Hey man, check out No One Left Behind. It's an NGO run by a vet to help Afghans and Iraqi interpreters get resettled and obtain citizenship. The founder is a personal friend of mine and I'd be happy to make the connection if you want to contact me offline. Hit me with a PM. Good on you for taking care of your interpreter; I know our dude was the most critical member of our team downrange.
 
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#45
Afghan Interpeter UPDATED

I suppose that he can always use money.

But here's a suggestion: When he gets here, to celebrate his acquisition of permanent residency status, he should spec out a precision rifle and we should all donate parts, and gear, and find a gunsmith of his choice to build it for him at a discount.

Then he will have an awesome first post on the Hide.
 
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#46
I am sure he would appreciate it, but full USA rights including owning firearms may be a couple years down the road. In the meantime, a place to live, a job, and food on the table may be higher on the list than anything else.
 
#47
Afghan Interpeter UPDATED

c1steve said:
I am sure he would appreciate it, but full USA rights including owning firearms may be a couple years down the road. In the meantime, a place to live, a job, and food on the table may be higher on the list than anything else.
Click to expand...
As a permanent resident alien he can own a rifle. Equal Protection Clause would seem to indicate that he would have an argument to own a handgun as well.

It's not our responsibility to feed, clothe and house him. But it might be our responsibility to provide him with an extended network of supporters and friends in the shooting community.
 
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#48
c1steve said:
I am sure he would appreciate it, but full USA rights including owning firearms may be a couple years down the road. In the meantime, a place to live, a job, and food on the table may be higher on the list than anything else.
Click to expand...

As I said, this is what my buddy's NGO does for former military interpreters. You should get in contact with them ASAP to see what resources they have for resettlement and a job.
 
#49
Sorry I've been off and haven't responded to PM's, I was busy bringing this guy into the world yesterday. I'll be out of the loop for a bit, but I'll update when I can.
<a href="http://imgur.com/vzFKaMb"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/vzFKaMb.jpg
 
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