Abdul’s life began in a vibrant yet troubled Afghanistan. Born and raised amidst cultural richness and persistent conflict, his childhood was a blend of joyous family moments and the sobering realities of war. “It was a mix of happy times with family and the serious realities of conflict,” he recalls. “Despite the challenges, my family instilled a deep sense of resilience and hope in me.”
At 17, Abdul’s path took an unexpected turn when he became a U.S. military interpreter. “The desire to support my family and make a difference drove my decision,” he explained. “I saw it as a chance to contribute to a safer Afghanistan.”
As his role evolved throughout the years, it placed him at the heart of danger, forging bonds with American soldiers while navigating the constant threat from insurgents. “There were moments of fear,” he confided, “but the camaraderie and shared mission kept me focused.”
With the U.S. withdrawal looming after a decade of service, Abdul’s public role put him at risk under Taliban rule. He faced a daunting choice: leave his homeland or face an uncertain future. “It was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” he recalled. “But I knew my family’s safety depended on finding a new beginning.”
Abdul, however, was determined to secure safe passage not just for his family but also for his colleagues. The U.S. Army contacted Abdul seeking volunteers across Kabul to gather information from communities for real-time updates and citizen evacuations. He provided information to the U.S. evacuation team and safe house staff. By then, Abdul had become well-versed in cybersecurity and intelligence and leveraged his extensive network within the community and online.
“This was a suicide mission so I had to make sure that my team (53 people) would be granted safety,” the promise was kept. Through this mission, 10,000 U.S. citizens, green card holders, and allies were evacuated until October 26, 2021.
During this time, Abdul was separated from his family, sheltered in a safe house until securing his wife and kids’ passports just in time for them to escape Afghanistan.
In 2022, Abdul arrived in the United States with his family, carrying little more than determination and hope for a better future. “It was a fresh start,” he reflected, “but also a daunting challenge to rebuild our lives from scratch in a new country.”
“Landing in Virginia with only $50,” he remembered, “I knew I had to make this work for my family.”
With the help of LSSNCA, Abdul found a lifeline in the welcoming embrace of a new community. Abdul met incredible people at LSSNCA, like our employment volunteer, Ron, who helped him navigate this transition and believed in his potential. “LSSNCA’s support was invaluable,” he reminisced. “From housing assistance to language classes, they helped us navigate the complexities of starting over.”
One night in June 2022, while driving for Lyft in Virginia, Abdul picked up Will McLoughlin, a Marine veteran who had served in Afghanistan. The music playing in Abdul’s car sparked a conversation about their shared experiences.
Will, reflecting on that night, said, “Abdul’s music and our conversation brought back memories. His presence reminded me of the camaraderie we had in the Marines. Despite our different backgrounds, that connection was immediate.”
When Abdul dropped off Will, they exchanged numbers and agreed to stay in touch. A few months passed before Will reached out to Abdul. Abdul recalls the moment Will reached out after the murder of an Afghan Lyft driver in D.C. circulated in the news. “Will texted asking if I was OK” Abdul says.
Upon realizing Abdul was OK, Will made the decision to make sure Abdul found employment that not only was safe but utilized his skills and knowledge.
Will, who by then co-founded GI Johns, a veteran owned portable sanitation rental company, saw an opportunity to leverage Abdul’s expertise in a meaningful way. “Will recognized my potential beyond driving,” Abdul explains.
For Will and his team at GI Johns, hiring Abdul was about more than filling a position – it was about recognizing his skills and honoring his sacrifice. Gary, another GI Johns team member, recalls that Abdul’s “professionalism and dedication were evident from day one.”
The offer to join GI Johns, initially in a dispatch role, came as a welcome surprise to Abdul. “It was a chance to contribute in ways I never imagined,” he says gratefully. “They valued my skills and experiences, offering me a path to grow professionally in a supportive environment.”
Under the mentorship of Ron, a long time LSSNCA volunteer, Abdul flourished in this new role. “Ron believed in me from the start,” he acknowledges. “His guidance and support were instrumental in helping me navigate the transition and excel in my new role.”
Today, Abdul continues to build his career and support his family in Virginia.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) has provided resettlement services to more than 6,500 Afghan Allies throughout Maryland and Virginia, the largest number of on the East Coast since Summer 2021. Learn more about our impact and how to get involved by visiting Welcome SIV Afghan Allies (lssnca.org)
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