LAWRENCE — An Afghan evacuee who has supported U.S. troops overseas and is now helping fellow Afghans adjust to America is one of the newest members of the Indiana National Guard.
Mohammad Zaki Ahmadi says he's excited for the opportunity to join the Guard as specialist.
Ahmadi served in Afghanistan supporting U.S. forces as a translator and interpreter starting in 2010. By 2018, Ahmadi said he was the lead interpreter helping the State Department at the U.S. embassy.
He also spent time at Camp Atterbury as part of Operation Allies Welcome.
"I loved what I've experienced. Joining the National Guard, I have a solid background," said Ahmadi in a news release. "And I like Indiana."
He currently works as a case manager and helps his fellow Afghans adjust to American culture.
Ahmadi will go through basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina later this year and then advanced training to become a financial management technician.
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