Gary and his colleagues owe their life to the interpreters who helped them navigate an extremely dangerous environment. Gary decided, after retirement as a police officer, to complete an additional mission for his country. Some take jobs as a greeter for local retailers. But not Gary. He chose to go to Afghanistan to train police officers.
Gary was assisted by “Casey” in 2010 and 2011. The movie “The Covenant” is a good example of the risks taken by Casey, and other brave interpreters to assist Americans in his home country. Casey was taught English in school, so used it to his full advantage when English speakers needed his help during our war with Afghanistan.
Gary shared these individuals were vetted to confirm they were not Taliban posing as interpreters to gain our trust. These individuals were glad we were there, in hopes for a better future for their nation.
Gary presented many wonderful photos that displayed the people and places they experienced on this mission. Adult men have very stern looks on their faces. The children seem to have an expression of blank acceptance of the world of poverty they know as normal.
Homes are constructed from the dirt they walk on every day. They build sprawling structures with walls within, to accommodate the 13th century customs they continue to live by into today. Farming for food to feed their families is done by a partnership between man and animal.
Casey went into hiding when he decided to leave Afghanistan. The Taliban went after him and others. He found his friends hung from a tree for collaborating with the Americans. It's so bad that people will sell their children and their kidneys for money to survive.
The US left much equipment behind when we pulled out. Some of those items were laptop computers with scans for the iris of the eye. They were used for facial recognition of the interpreters. The Taliban began using them to find their defectors, who were ultimately murdered along with their families.
Money was sent for Visas for Casey and wife and children via Western Union. Casey took the risk of getting passports for his family, knowing he may be identified by one of those laptops that included his profile.
Gary and his colleagues collaborated with an NGO and our own World Relief in Moline. The NGO (non-governmental organization) had to be paid for their assistance. Thankfully, Gary's son works for Homeland Security and was able to assist in finally getting them to the LA Airport. It took two years from the time they started to try to get Casey and his family out of the Middle East.
Casey now lives in San Diego with his family in a home provided by Catholic Social Services. He has a full-time job as a security guard. He picked San Diego because his wife has a cousin who resided there, following their own escape.
The experience made Gary and others born in the US have new found appreciation and thankfulness to be born in a free country without the danger and challenges of those in Afghanistan.
The wisdom Gary shared with the police officers will provide them knowledge to keep themselves alive and provide some order in the country they call home. We pray for their safety and survival in a country with danger everywhere.
