Alright network, it is time time give back to someone who means a great deal to not only my detachment, but many detachments through the years who have operated in Afghanistan. Combat is terrifying. We are in a place we don't know surrounded by people who's language we don't speak and there is potentially someone trying to kill us in every interaction we have. The comfort that an interpreter, that you know you can truly trust, gives you is priceless.

Mohammad Reza, who we call Ali, was attached to many Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alphas (SFOD-A)  as local national interpreter in Afghanistan from February 2014 until he was wounded while  on a combat operation in January 2018 with my detachment in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. In this attack my  team leader and Ali were significantly injured. Ali sustained gun shot wounds to the left abdomen, right thigh, right knee, and sustained an open fracture of the left ankle. His ankle specifically has left him with significant issues standing and walking. After he was wounded he could not work for the last two years he was in Afghanistan.

Ali became like family to my detachment both trips we were there. I am sure I can speak to the same for all the other ODA's who were lucky enough to have worked with Ali. 

This past march, Ali was able to immigrate to the United States. He is currently with some family in Orange County. Anyone who has been to that area of California knows the importance of a car. I am putting together this  gofundme to raise money to get Ali some wheels. I hope it takes off and can set him up with something decent and some starting capital for his life here. I know Ali, and I know he will take what we give him and use it to work as hard as can to contribute here and give himself a life he always dreamed of. 

Let's give Ali some time to know a world that isn't at war...