Recognizing Nesar Ahmad
Floor Speech
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Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Nesar Ahmad for his extraordinary service to the United States and his unwavering commitment to the Americans and Afghan allies who served alongside one another in Afghanistan.
During the Afghanistan War, Nesar served alongside American forces as an interpreter, putting his own life at risk to protect American servicemembers and advance our mission. His understanding of the language, culture, and people made him an invaluable partner to the Americans serving in harm's way.
After coming to the United States in 2014, Nesar continued answering the call to serve. In the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, I helped found Task Force Argo to evacuate Americans and our Afghan allies, and Nesar once again joined our mission to stand with the interpreters and families who risked everything to stand with us.
For nearly five years, Nesar has continued to volunteer helping Afghan interpreters, allies, and their families find safety, stability, and a new beginning. Nesar understood personally what was at stake, and his mission was to never leave an ally behind. The people we were fighting to save had to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops, often risking everything to do so. He helped ensure America continues to stand with them in return.
As a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, I know firsthand how our troops relied on courageous interpreters like Nesar. Through Task Force Argo, I have also had the privilege of seeing his courage, loyalty, and commitment to others.
Now, Nesar is sharing that story through his book, The Terp: A Life Between Languages and Loyalties. His story preserves the sacrifices of the interpreters who served beside us and reminds future generations of the human cost of war and the bonds forged through service.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Nesar a friend and fellow member of Task Force Argo, and I commend him for his continued service to the country he now calls home.
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