Afghan evacuee enlists in Indiana National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Afghan evacuee who supported U.S. troops overseas and entered this country through southern Indiana's Camp Atterbury has enlisted into the Indiana National Guard.

Mohammad Zaki Ahmadi recited the oath of enlistment and signed his paperwork for a three-year commitment to the Guard during a March 3 ceremony at the Indianapolis Military Entry Processing Station in Lawrence.

Ahmadi was one of approximately 7,000 Afghan evacuees who filtered through southern Indiana's Camp Atterbury as part of Operation Allies Welcome late last year and earlier this year.

While there, Ahmadi used his linguist skills and worked for the base’s recreation center.

Ahmadi, who has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, used his mastery of the English language in Afghanistan supporting U.S. forces as a translator and interpreter starting in 2010.

He now works for Catholic Charities as a case manager helping other Afghans adjust to American culture.

“I help them find a job, find a car and find a place to live, and then they are set,” said Ahmadi, who helps Afghans overcome language problems among other tasks.