Help Afghan Interpreter, Orlando, and his Family

My name is Dustin Ivers and I served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry from 2008 - 2012 deploying to Afghanistan twice. From 2010 - 2011, (call sign) Orlando served as my squad's interpreter in the city of Marjah in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.  Since 2014, Orlando has received numerous death threats from the Taliban due to his work supporting Marines.

Orlando and his pregnant wife made the harrowing journey to the Kabul airport crossing multiple Taliban checkpoints.  Once at the airport, Orlando began providing translation services for the Marines securing the perimeter to support the U.S. evacuation operation.  In the early morning hours of August 24th, Orlando and his wife boarded a U.S. Air Force C-17 and flew out of Afghanistan.

Once Orlando's paperwork is processed, he will likely be transported to the U.S. - but he has no job, little to no money, a wife and soon a new baby to support. I am asking for your donation - no amount too small - so we can help Orlando and his family start off well in America.

Like many refugees before him, Orlando and his family will face challenging obstacles to include: finding steady employment, securing housing, fitting in to a new country (let alone neighborhood), obtaining a driver's license, raising a baby with no outside family support, navigating a town or city for the first time…the list goes on.

In an effort to provide a better understanding of how your money will help ease Orlando’s stress of settling into a new country, I have compiled a list of expenses Orlando will face when he leaves his refugee camp for the first time.

“Most“ expenses are projected over the first 6 months in the U.S.

Keep in mind these projections are rough estimates based on California averages. Cost of living may vary depending on which state they settle in.  Orlando tells me he wants to come to San Diego!  

                  -Six months of rent: $8,000-$10,000

                  -Six months of groceries: $2,000-$4,000

                  -Six months of utilities: $800-$1,000

                  -Used vehicle: $5,000-$10,000

                  -Vehicle registration, tax and insurance (based on state of CA): $1,000-$2,000

                  - Driver's license (based on state of CA): $33

                  - Pregnancy without medical insurance: $30,000-$50,000

                  - Six months of medical insurance: $8,000-$10,000

                  -Clothing (winter/summer): $1,000-$2,000

                  -Furniture/kitchen utensils/toiletries: $1,000-$3,000

                  - Six months of baby formula/diapers: $1,000-$1,500

              
Semper Fidelis,

Dustin L. Ivers