Former Ambassador Ryan Crocker: We Must Keep Our Promises To Those Who Serve With Us by Ryan Crocker and Matthew Zeller - Fox News
The words “welcome home” can be so ordinary. But to the thousands of Iraqi and Afghan interpreters who risk their lives – and the lives of their families – to serve alongside U.S. troops in their countries and help us secure victory, those words mean safety, a life free of death threats, and a promise kept.
More than 70,000 Iraqis and Afghans have served as translators or interpreters for the U.S. military over the last 17 years of war in their countries. They are people who so strongly believe in eliminating the terrorist threat within their own borders, that they risk everything to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.
Interpreters work closely with military units, acting as essential guides and making introductions to local officials, village leaders and others with whom the U.S. needs to ally. They work with intelligence agents to root out opposing forces and keep our troops safe, and with diplomats to help us maintain alliances. As retired Gen. Peter Chiarelli said, the interpreters are “just as much of a soldier as I am.”
In return for their bravery and service, America pledged to protect them and allow them – if they desire – to immigrate here. Right now, our country is not keeping its promise…