What should we be doing to help our interpreters left behind in Afghanistan?

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:37:41 -0400

I saw this organization (https://rly.pt/welcomecorpswebinarveterans) and thought I'd pass it along.
From the veterans I've talked to, one of the biggest failures we had was not doing more to evacuate our allied "'Terps" from Afghanistan. There aren't many bi-partisan issues that bring veterans together but this has always is one of them. These people were vetted, worked with and sometimes even fought alongside us. They are going through the proper immigration path and by all standards trying to come here the right way. What can we be doing to help them?

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Welcome Corps Webinar for Veterans. After...

Please join us to learn about bringing more Afghan allies to safety via the Welcome Corps program. The Welcome Corps program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, authorizes groups of five or more Americans to sponsor a refugee/refugee household to resettle permanently in the United States. Our panel of speakers will include Shawn VanDiver (President #AfghanEvac), Mariah Smith (No One Left Behind Board Member & Sponsor), and...

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Mar 26 at 2024 11:45 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:45:54 -0400

I’m meeting someone today who was born there but came to the US as a child, subsequently he served 4 tours in Afganistan fighting as an American soldier.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 26 at 2024 12:00 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:07 -0400

Can those Soldiers who worked closely with them launch private-sector extractions?

Response by CPT David Gowel made Mar 26 at 2024 1:00 PM

CPT David Gowel — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:00:17 -0400

I've seen the positive impact of these efforts in our own communities. I met a family from Afghanistan who found safety in the US and it is clear they appreciate how much programs like these have done to demonstrate our own appreciation for their support when we were on their turf.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Mar 26 at 2024 1:29 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:29:49 -0400

I managed to help get both of my interpreters here. Another problem during the pull out was getting many of their family members out as well. Many did not directly support Americans in country but their lives were just as much in danger should the Taliban find out.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2024 2:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:03:24 -0400

Those that worked for us as "terps" risked so much of themselves AND their families....the US needs to do more to get them out of the Danger Zone

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 27 at 2024 10:25 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:25:50 -0400

There are groups like Save Our Allies that assist with things like this but with the Taliban back in the drivers seat in Afghanistan it's extremely difficult to make things happen. It's their country and sadly they get to make the rules