Help Srosh Save his Family from the Taliban

Hi, my name is Jason and I need your help to raise the funds necessary to save a Family in Afghanistan.

I am a former Marine who deployed with the Darkhorse Battalion to Afghanistan in 2010, 2011. Our unit was dropped into the deadliest area of the country for international troops. The ensuing battles came at a cost of nearly one in four Marines wounded or killed. At least 29 Marines and sailors from the battalion and its attachments died and several hundred more were wounded. Those of us who survived returned to the safety of the United States and for most of us- now a decade later- the long and violent war with the Taliban is just a distant and uncomfortable memory. But now, just weeks before the final withdrawal of U.S. Troops, the Taliban surge in Afghanistan is stronger than ever and the country faces devastation.

Fighting the Taliban is difficult. They don't follow any gentlemanly rules of war as are defined by international laws. They don't wear an identifiable uniform. They are unconcerned about placing land mines in the same streets that children play in. This makes identifying and locating the bad guys a super difficult task. It was obvious that we needed an Interpreter on every patrol in order to gain any significant understanding of the area and the people we were trying to help. As is the case with all relationships, communication is key in developing trust and rapport with the Afghan people. This mutual trust would have been impossible without my Friend/Interpreter, Srosh.

Srosh put a lot on the line by joining us. He went by the alias "Rock" to conceal his real name and identity while attached to the Marines. It was too dangerous to go by his real name. He has a large family in Afghanistan and the Taliban routinely targets family members of those who help the Americans. Srosh served as an invaluable member of our team. He went where we went, he ate what we ate, he slept when we slept. When we were getting shot at, so was "Rock". Srosh was one of us. It would be impossible to measure his impact but his accurate translations and brave resolve in the face of danger no doubt saved the lives of many Marines and Afghan civilians alike.

Our deployment came to an end in the spring of 2011 but Srosh continued to serve as a Combat Interpreter for several more years to come. He worked hard and paid his dues in the most violent regions of the country. In return the U.S. promised that he would get a Special Immigrant Visa and a one-way ticket to America. This means safety and security for him and his family. The process wasn't so easy though. It was a nightmare in fact. 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' covered Srosh's story in 2014. At this point in time, Srosh was desperate to obtain his Visa and get the hell out of Afghanistan. The Taliban was looking to kill him and he was running out of places to hide. Srosh survived it though. He survived combat, he survived Taliban harassment, he battled through a mountain of redundant U.S. paperwork, and finally, in 2015, he made it to America and dropped anchor in Houston. The world can be a cruel bitch though; that same year, the Taliban kidnapped Srosh's older brother and murdered him to send a clear message. Understandably, Srosh was devastated but he persevered, determined to make a better life for himself and his family.

Srosh has been living in the United States for 6 years now. He has a wife and two children living in Texas. He has pursued a career as a truck driver. He works all the time to support his family in the States and sends what he can to those who remain in Afghanistan. Srosh is a good man. He is just as American as Rock and Roll or apple pie. I am so thankful that he finally made it home to the U.S. where he belongs.

Unfortunately, though, Srosh's struggles aren't over yet. Last week the Taliban gained massive ground. Srosh's family was once again caught in the crosshairs. Taliban thugs kidnapped and terrorized his entire family. For two long and excruciating days, Srosh waited in agony-behind the wheel of a semi-truck somewhere in America's Breadbasket- desperate for any updates on the situation. His Mother and Father, brothers, cousins, and more were all kidnapped and held against their will due to the family's association with the Americans.

There is some good news; Last weekend, during a heroic raid by Afghan Special Forces, the Taliban captors were killed and the Family was rescued from certain death. But they aren't completely out of the woods yet. The Taliban has control of their city. Their home is now unsafe and if they return, they will likely be killed. Afghanistan is running out of places to hide for those who have helped the Americans.

The family's survival now depends on staying anonymous and finding a way to escape the country. Of the 15 members of Srosh's family in danger, only two of them have passports. It is estimated that each passport will cost roughly $1,000. This is not the only expense they will face. Lodging, travel, food, and countless unknown variables will present themselves as they fight to survive these unforgiving circumstances. It will be impossible for them to come up with the money needed to get to safety. Srosh is working hard to earn and send all the money he can but he's only one man.

I believe it's important to help those who have helped us. Civilization is founded on principles of fellowship and cooperation. Srosh and his family- along with countless other Afghans- are in their hour of need. This is an opportunity to help. Please consider donating anything you can to help Srosh and his Family. Money won't solve the larger geopolitical issues that plague the region but in this particular instance, it could change the life of a good man named Srosh who is doing everything he can to save his family.