Brothers in arms: Ajmal Omar

Posted on 29 June 2009 by k. a. gardner

Part Three: The relationships which develop between those who serve together in military conflicts foster amazing relationships. Shared experiences bring together cultures and friendships to last a lifetime. Brothers in arms is short series of stories about a triangulation of two Jacksonville, Fla. military officers and an Afghani translator ~ ~

Ajmal Omar writes of his experiences:

Ajmal recieves Dept. of Defense Certicate of Appreciation

My name is Ajmal Omar. I am from Afghanistan – I have a bachelor degree in English literature from University of Education in Kabul, Afghanistan. I learned English Language in private courses for two years. And it’s mentionable that Jon Singleton helped me in Afghanistan to complete my education.

[Singleton] was very famous for speaking Dari, being kind to soldiers. He used his talent to build Afghan National Army by his personnel skills. Every body was appreciating his efforts – I as his Interpreter and his Afghan National Army counterpart [Lt. Col. Shamsuddin] knew that he was always working late till – 1 a.m or 1: 30 a.m. on personnel and finance [projects] for KMTC. He was far from his family and kids, from his country, he never complained, he always tried to do his best. That’s why every NCO at KMTC still love Cmdr. Singleton.

I worked for the US Armed forces for over five years. It was as dangerous as I could say. Sometimes nobody could say if we were able to make it back to the base – who could say if there was a suicide bomber waiting for us on our way back home? But we have faith in God – we were safe.

Ajmal and boys of a refugee village

Due to the life risk of those who serve their country (Afghanistan) and United States of America through working with U.S .Armed Forces as Interpreter, I came to United States as Lawful Immigrant under a specific immigration program for U.S. Armed Forces linguist.

I was eligible for this meritorious visa [because] I worked over 2 years as Interpreter with U.S. Armed Forces. You had to be selected in a board created by the unit officers, then you need a letter from one of the Active Generals in Afghanistan, and now I have my Green Card Permanent Resident status.

I came to the U.S.A. on 15^th September 2008. My flight was from Kabul to Dubai, from Dubai to New York JFK airport and then to Reagan National Airport. My cousin Mashal Abdul Rahim zai came to the airport to welcome me.

I came to State of Virginia and started working as linguist for U.S. Armed forces as a part-time job. I have found U. S. a very beautiful place and I think I have many chances to change my life to better here.

Jon Singleton cared for me when I was in Virginia by calling and e-mails. I couldn’t expect such a kindness from a person who I was working for one year and become brothers in next three years. I said with myself there are still people who care about you!

I was in Washington D.C. when my phone start ringing – his name appeared on the screen of my cell phone – Jon Singleton – in a stranger circumstance, he invited me to come visit him, his family and Sunshine state and great city of Jacksonville.

He said I can take a flight to get there, I said sir, I want to drive. He was amazed how I said that can I drive all the way from northern Virginia to Florida. It was my first car in the states with no background of driving in the states, especially from one state to another state. I really enjoyed my driving. I was good because I didn’t take any tickets in the highway.

When first I came here my intent was to stay here for few days. When I met the kind people of Jacksonville, such as Jon Singleton’s family, his wife Candace, who is very kind and hospitable. She cares for me like her brother - I found the family love again. When Jon told me “Ajmal you are like my brother, I am serious” and when every day I receive calls from him he ask me about my situation, what am I doing? What is my plan for tomorrow? He always encourages me for better things .

Ajmal in Washington D.C.

I came here the on 3^rd of May. Jon and Candace prepared a delicious dinner and invited their best friends. I met Mark Rinaman and Lisa, his wife.

Mark is co-hosting me here in Jacksonville . Mark is the project manager for the renovation of the old library – we had introduction to new people that become friends later. I love the city of Jacksonville and Florida.

I also met Mark’s family, then his father Gen. Rinaman [Ret.] and Mrs. Rinaman invited me to their house. We had fantastic dinner. I took some pictures of Mark riding the Jeskey [Jet Ski] on the river. After dinner we talked with the General and Miss Gloria – the kind and nice women who reminds me of my grandmother. We always have a talk about jobs and my staying here .

My work since arriving in the States has mostly been with the US Army, at training centers in Louisiana and Virginia. I am now pursuing translation service jobs here in Florida. I speak and write Farsi, Urdu, Dari, Pashto and English.

I have been in the 11 E. [Forsyth] building for the past few weeks where Mark give me accommodation, but I [will move] into an apartment in Avondale shortly.

Since my arrival, I enjoyed TPC [The Players Championship] for the first time. I liked the golf and watching George H.W. Bush speaking. I met [Rear] Adm. [Joseph] Kernan (Commander, US FOURTH FLEET) who’s a Navy SEAL and was in Kabul in late 2001.

I have to say that going to TPC, watching George Bush in speaking and talking to Adm. Kernan is one of the good memories in my life since he talked with me for few minutes and GREATLY APPRECIATED THE IMPORTANCE of native translators in hostile territories.

The next day Cmdr. Jon Singleton took me to the ocean for the first time time EVER, body surfing off Mickler’s Beach.

Note: Ajmal is temporarily in Virginia working as a linguist and plans to return to Jacksonville in the near future.