by KEVIN KNODELL
When I write here, it’s rarely about something uplifting. It’s generally about religious fanatics bombing markets, ethnic militias launching genocidal campaigns, hamstrung peacekeepers fighting a losing battle in some far off land, or about misappropriation of military resources. Every once in awhile though, something good does happen in this world.
Awhile back I wrote about the danger faced by Iraqi interpreters hired by coalition forces. Those dangers have not gone away. However, one Iraqi interpreter’s story came to a happy ending, and was recently the center of an AP story. SGT Joey Coon of the Oregon National Guard was able to successfully get his interpreter Bandar safely to the United States:
Unlike most other Iraqis who depend on resettlement agencies or relatives to make their way here, Bandar was counting on Joey and a special program that helps translators.
It wasn’t easy: Joey had to plow through documents, try to understand complicated immigration laws and acquire a general’s letter to snare a special immigrant visa for translators.
Bandar’s anxiety, meanwhile, was palpable in his e-mails.
“You are my only hope in my life, please don’t forget me …,” he wrote in July 2007.
“Don’t worry, I would never forget you,” Joey replied, adding that he was talking with a friend about how to get him a visa. “Stay strong and be very safe.”
This story holds particular significance for me, because Joey has been a friend of mine for several years now, and I remember how much he struggled and sacrificed in order to help his friend and comrade. It’s an aspect of this war that has gotten far too little attention. The interpreters are truly this war’s unsung heroes, and have undertaken extraordinary risks that most Americans could never fathom. I’m happy to see one of the best make it safe and sound to retirement. I’m also thrilled to see an excellent soldier, outstanding American and great friend getting the recognition he deserves.
(Photo: via Kevin Knodell)
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The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 10/21/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.