About me:

From 2009 to 2011, I headed a large U.S.-funded rural development project in Afghanistan implemented by Tetra Tech/ARD in Vermont. We had over 300 Afghan employees working directly for us. Since August 2021 and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, I have been working to help as many of our former employees who want to leave find refuge in other countries.

"Hek" (his nickname to protect his safety) was the Agribusiness Coordinator and Director for Government Relations for our project, as well as my personal interpreter in the field. He also interpreted for visiting U.S. government officials, including the U.S. Ambassador.

His contributions to our mission were invaluable, and he notably intervened in a life-threatening situation to ensure my safety.

I have worked to help Hek resettle in the USA since August 2021. His SIV case has taken a long time, but in September 2025, he passed his visa interview and is now waiting with his family in Pakistan for his visa to be awarded!

During the Taliban takeover of his province, Hek provided refuge to the then Deputy Governor—one of the highest-ranking female officials in the country—and her three daughters after they faced raids by the Taliban. He sheltered them in his home and facilitated the safe passage of the woman and two of her daughters to Iran.

Following this, I assisted him in bringing the third daughter to the United States, where she now attends the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington.

Because Hek worked directly on contract with the U.S. Government, he is eligible for Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), under which he may resettle his family in the USA as legal permanent residents (Green Card). Unfortunately, all the financial support that was originally available to help Afghan SIV holders resettle (for housing, medical care, etc.) has now been canceled.

A group of concerned friends and I intend to manage the resettlement of Hek and his family in Vermont, in collaboration with local non-profits. To do this, we need to raise the funding to sustain the family for the first six months until Hek can find a job to support his family. They will need money for:

Hek worked hard to further the official policy of the USA in developing his country and improving the lives and welfare of his neighbors. Because of his public support of the U.S., his life is in danger in Afghanistan. He could not remain there. His family has been in turmoil for months, hiding and moving. We would appreciate your help in making a new life for them in America.

Someone who has helped so many, now needs our help. Let's offer what we can to a family who deserves our help.