Tucson veterans salute Afghan soldiers whom they rescued from the Taliban

TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – One story we were tracking has come full circle. Tony Short and Hazem Amiry, who once fought together in Afghanistan, were reunited on American soil on Friday evening.

Amiry was greeted at the Tucson International Airport by veterans from southern Arizona and their families. The crowd cheered and waved signs as he descended the escalator. Amiry then shook hands with Short and the two hugged for the first time in seven years.

“I don’t know how to explain when I saw him,” Amiry said. “I’m so happy.”

The mission for Operation 22 Restore Hope was accomplished!

“It’s long overdue,” said Short.

Short served in the US Air Force for 22 years. In 2014 he was posted to Afghanistan, where he met Amiry.

“On January 29, 2015, we had an insider attack,” said Short. “Without him and the relationship we actually built and our communication with each other, I would say it would have gotten a lot worse, unfortunately.”

When Kabul fell and Short had a chance to return the favor, he did. With the help of Operation 22, a nonprofit that supports military veterans and first responders with PTSD, Short was able to bring Amiry to the Old Pueblo.

“We actually removed about 15 Taliban, which we considered to be inside threats. So, yes, I think the Taliban would have been looking for him, ”said Short.

Amiry, his wife and their five children; ages 10 months to 16 years will make Tucson their new home.

“It’s like leaving your whole life behind,” said Short. “And you show up with nothing but your clothes on your back.”

An Air Force widow recently donated her husband’s car to the family, and Automotive Diesel and Performance is providing free labor to repair it. Operation 22 also collects household items and cash donations to help them get back on their feet.

“I shudder to know that he will take the oath of American citizen in the same way that we take the oath to be a member of the military and to uphold the United States Constitution,” said Mark Lacy, who founded Southern Arizona has healing and operation musicians 22. “He will be us; he will bleed red, white and blue. He will always be connected to his homeland, but he will be a US citizen and so will his family. I just hope the munity hugs him and his family as much as they hugged others. “

Amiry’s family will follow suit as soon as he finds accommodation. He hasn’t seen her in five months. To help the Amiry family click HERE.

Copyright 2022 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

Comments are closed.