PinnedWhy should Americans care about Afghanistan? Because veterans care and care deeply.August 12, 2021 will forever remain a day of solemn reflection and soberness. On this day, Herat, Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. For…Aug 14, 2023Aug 14, 2023
Processing WarWar is a curious thing and those of us who fight those wars for our country process the experiences differently. I’ve chosen to continue…Apr 30Apr 30
The Soul-Deep Moral Injury of Forgetting Our Afghan Allies and EvacueesMilitary veterans and their families bear the severest burdens associated with the wars our country asks them to fight. Those asked to…Dec 22, 2022Dec 22, 2022
Each Memorial Day, Words Fail UsOn this day, Memorial Day, we attempt to memorialize those who gave their lives in service to our country. Each year, words fail us. It is…May 29, 2022May 29, 2022
A Place of Hope for Displaced Afghan WomenThe number of forcibly displaced persons has rushed over 80 million in 2021 — the largest number in the history of our world and almost…Apr 25, 2021Apr 25, 2021
I want to help my children go to schoolSalaam. The word ‘peace’ passed through my speakers and Qamar Gul’s kindness spilled through the screen as she greeted me. The stars were…Jun 10, 2020Jun 10, 2020
I came back and I stood my ground.During her stop in Des Moines, Iowa, and a presentation at Drake University, I met Zarifa Ghafari. Ms. Ghafari is mayor of Maidan Shahr…Mar 16, 2020Mar 16, 2020
We Can Change the World“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” — Mahatma GandhiOct 23, 2019Oct 23, 2019
What is possible?The world has never seemed more complex, chaotic, or dangerous in this moment. And yet, over the past few decades we have made greater…Jun 26, 2019Jun 26, 2019