They helped us big time. Now it’s our turn. They are the Afghan translators who worked and were deeply respected by our servicemen and women who fought in that mountainous hellhole. The former were integral partners with our troops, keeping them safe while serving the U.S. military. Last week during a conversation with a “Mr. Fixit” doing work at my house, I learned that he was a veteran of that ill-advised conflict. He also related that the translators were indispensable allies-that every time he went up in a Blackhawk (helicopter), a translator was by his side, risking his life as well.

As a result of their service, the Taliban has a constant target on their backs. Family members of translators have been kidnapped and killed in retribution. My daughter Carrie, who has been actively involved in this project, told me that her translator friend Hewad managed to make it to Pakistan, get the necessary visa after too long a wait (can’t get one from Afghanistan since it’s not recognized as a country) and came to America with his family in 2017.

Along with translating, Hewad operated 15 radio stations encouraging Afghans not to join the insurgency while reminding them that the Americans were not there just to fight as indicated by the many schools, roads, hospitals, etc. they built. Because of us, his sisters went to school for the first time.

He hoped now to give his children the same opportunity. I think their chances for that happening are more than fifty-fifty as their dad is an ultimate role model having gotten a college degree since his arrival. Today he works as a journalist. Tragically, in direct contradiction of their Moslem religion’s tenets, the Taliban paid back Hewad’s association with us by murdering his uncle.

Taking that old bull by the horns, some veterans of Afghanistan, well aware that their translator friends and their families are stuck in their homeland, are working inside and outside traditional channels to get them out. As an inspirational example, a VFW chapter in Avon, Connecticut is working with refugee organization IRIS (https://irisct.org/.) to sponsor a translator family. To accomplish their goal, members have to raise money, help find housing and jobs, and get the family settled in the community.

There are countless numbers of Hewads and families either hiding in the mountains or cities like Kabul, waiting for the chance to join him over here. We can help by insuring that when they arrive, their assimilation will be rapid and comfortable. And as soon as the Avon vets raise the minimum amount needed, IRIS can begin the process. Therefore, I’m appealing to area VFWs, American Legions, service organizations (Elks, Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis clubs, etc.), churches, the general public and especially veterans of Afghanistan to consider making a donation-https://www.gofundme.com./f/avon-vfw-post-3272-afghan-resettlement. Anyone interested in sponsoring a family can contact Carrie at 860-539-7123.

The Afghan translators served this country with courage and honor. Now it’s our turn to serve them.

Ray Lenarcic is a 1965 State University of New York at Fredonia graduate and is a resident of Herkimer.