Marine Major Reunited with interpreter-turned US Army Soldier. Thoughts?

CPT Ahmed Faried — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:54:31 -0400

This is simply just a feel good story. I know i've come across some interpreters that left me wondering if we'd ever cross paths again.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/05/30/iraqi-interpreter-turned-soldier-reunites-with-marine/28029163/

Interpreter-soldier reunites with Marine major in Iraq

When Ahmed Totti left Iraq after serving for almost four years as an interpreter for U.S. forces, he never expected to return to his home country.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 4 at 2015 5:04 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:04:36 -0400

Great story!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 5:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:53:25 -0400

As a 09L myself, I have come across some extraordinary stories of several nationalities. Some of the best mentorship I have recieved thus far was when I was an Interpretor. I miss those days. I often pondered who cool that my Iraqi collegues found themselves back to their birthplace doing great things. Sometimes I still wish I can go on a mission to Sudan/South Sudan (where I was born) or Egypt where I was raised.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 4 at 2015 5:56 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:56:14 -0400

That is pretty awesome. All to often I hear stories of our old terps dying because they where left behind after being promised safe haven in the US for their service. This is a great story, thank you for sharing it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 4 at 2015 9:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 21:25:56 -0400

Is he 7 foot tall?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 5 at 2015 12:06 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:06:46 -0400

I do not think enough people understand the sacrifice these interpreters pay for helping the US military. The American people live lives that are very sheltered.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 10:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 22:21:46 -0400

I wish we could give more terps more opportunities, they are the unsung heroes who saved many life's , but the picture does bring a slight chuckle on the size difference

Response by SrA Leah Murchie made Apr 7 at 2016 9:00 PM

SrA Leah Murchie — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 21:00:58 -0400

I Love This!