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.
-
Speedway Police searching for missing 15-year-old girl last seen June 16
Jaylena Smith, a 15-year-old Black female, was last seen on the west side of Indianapolis in Speedway on June 16, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Terrific Tuesday, high heat and humidity return by the weekend
Beautiful weather for today with sunny skies and low humidity. Spotty showers and storms through the end of the week and weekend.
Clark scores 24, Kelsey Mitchell adds 22 and the Fever beat the Mercury 86-77
Caitlin Clark had 24 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell scored 22 points, and the Indiana Fever overcame a 13-point, first-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-77 on Monday night.
Students arrested in Philippines school shooting that kills 3, wounds 20
Two students armed with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines on Monday, killing three fellow students and wounding at least 20 others, police said.