Help Omar and His Family Reach Nebraska and Start a New Life

After 2.5 disconcerting years of wait, my former interpreter and his family are safely out of Afghanistan! They were sent to Albania where their visa case was successfully processed by the consulate in Tiran. Now we just have to get them flights from Tiran to Omaha Nebraska where they can peacefully integrate and create a new life in the U.S.

When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in 2021 Omar and his family failed to be evacuated. He had to make the hard choice to stay at their home in Kabul or flee and essentially go into hiding. Staying meant to potentially be found out as a “conspirator”, possibly tortured, imprisoned, or killed as the Taliban secured government functions and likely documents of Afghans who worked with Americans. It would only be a matter of time before they found him. For the past 2.5 years Omar has been a survivor, keeping his wife and 3 kids safe while hiding in the Afghan countryside. They deserve to come here to heal and become productive members of our society.

Omar spent 5 years as an interpreter for route clearance, infantry and combat arms patrols. He's been in hundreds of gunfights and never cowered. We never thought it would take 2.5 years for him to make it out but persistence paid off. With their visas now in hand, the plan is for them to fly from Albania to Omaha. Their family will live with mine during their integration process and until they can get out on their own. This is going to be one hell of an adventure and we’re looking forward to the joys and challenges that will come from an Afghan family living with an American family in the Nebraska countryside.

When they left Afghanistan on hours notice, they had to leave everything behind. While we have a lot to offer them, getting a family of 5 started from nothing will be a challenge. When they arrive they'll qualify for Medicare and EBT/SNAP benefits but are otherwise starting with only what they can carry in suitcases. All of the funds raised will first go towards the $3500 estimated flight expense to make it from Tiran to Omaha. Any extra will help them buy clothes and furnishings, and their own house/apartment once Omar has steady income.

Thank you for any assistance, you're supporting a great cause.