When CCC’s Roanoke Refugee Resettlement Program Manager, Samim, was a child in Afghanistan he remembers seeing U.S. soldiers in his neighborhood in Kabul.
“As a child who was learning English and eager to get to speak to an American, I saw a military convoy in our neighborhood in Kabul. They were probably on a mission but were surrounded by kids asking for gifts. They were giving out candies so, with my little English I had a very interesting conversation with one of the soldiers. I got more candy as a reward for speaking English with him. This is a sweet memory of mine.”
Later as an adult Samim worked in a civilian capacity as a linguist assisting with the United States' work in Afghanistan. Because of the dangerous work that he assisted with Samim’s life was in danger and he was able to come to the United States with a Special Immigrant Visa. In his work with CCC, he now assists other refugees who are also fleeing for their lives because of the assistance that they provided to the U.S. military.
Today, on Veterans Day, we want to take this opportunity to thank the many brave men and women who have served our country. We also thank the many civilians in countries like Afghanistan who helped make their mission possible.
Thank you to all who have served.
