Immigrated to U.S. in 2003, Corporal Zahed Travels to Homeland to Fight
Baghdad, Iraq
Many times Aawss Zahed would dream of life in the USA. Little did he know that shortly after immigrating to the United State, He would soon return to his native Iraq to fight.
Corporal Zahed is originally from Mosul, Iraq, and arrived in the United States just before the current war started in 2003. Married to an American woman, Zahed is employed in a Michigan Auto Plant, and is well paid, at nearly six thousand dollars a month. Zahed uses much of his wages to continue to support family who is still in Iraq.
Everything changed, however in 2005. Zahed lost his Aunt, who was employed by the Ministry of Defense in Iraq, she was killed. His Dad is a former Major General in the Iraqi Army, and had to escape to Syria. With the ongoing violence that swept his country, several other members of Zahed’s family were also killed or disappeared. Zahed is quick to point out that it was not U.S. Forces or Coalition forces that were the destroyers, but others from outside Iraq, strangers.
Zahed consulted his father about seeking work with Coalition forces in Iraq as an interpreter. His father was cautious, and advised against it. Despite all odds, Corporal Zahed enlisted in the U.S. Army. Shortly before actually enlisting, his father relented and approved his choice.
Corporal Zahed is optimistic about the future, and feels he is making a difference for his country. If the U.S. Army Forces continue to work on reconciliation measures, and continue to work to improve service, my country will have a bright future? Zahed said.