In the coming days, a family will flee Afghanistan under cover of darkness to pursue a long-awaited Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) interview at a U.S. embassy. This is their chance to rebuild their lives in safety on American soil.

I’m raising funds to cover essential expenses—visas, transportation, and logistics—for this critical step in their journey to freedom.

I am the proud sponsor of my interpreter’s SIV application. I served alongside him in one of the most remote and dangerous provinces of Afghanistan, where I commanded U.S. Army supply convoys during a particularly violent season of the war. He took fire with us. He waited beside us as we called in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. And when bombs exploded and evacuations were complete, he worked with me and my soldiers to patch craters in the road so we could push forward.

His sharp judgment and linguistic skill saved my life and the lives of my team on more than one occasion. Before he worked with me, Yusuf had already spent years supporting American maneuver units in frontline combat conditions—on foot, in mountainous terrain, under direct threat. He was tough and resolute—exactly the kind of partner you’d want by your side in combat. He was a gifted linguist who spoke not only Pashto, but all the major tribal dialects, and brought deep cultural and regional insight that repeatedly proved mission-critical. His service protected me and my soldiers and directly contributed to our operational success.

Today, he and his family—including young daughters whose futures have been cut out from under them—are in hiding. His case is supported by decorated military colleagues including former infantry officer Chris Morrison, MD, and CSM (Ret.) Patrick Pope, and has been guided legally by Cahill & Associates under the tireless Brock Bosson.

If we raise more than needed, the remainder will be donated to No One Left Behind, which supports others like him.

It's been a long road. This moment is years in the making.

Thank you for honoring his service—and for helping bring my interpreter and his family to safety. We are immensely grateful for your support.