My Friend, My Interpreter
My name is Travis Ervin and I am a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman with several deployments to the Middle East. This GoFundMe has been created to help my Afghan Interpreter and his family resettle in my hometown in East Tennessee. This man served honorably beside me in Marjah and Sangin Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. Over the past month, the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan was devastating to witness. My recent involvement to help save their lives was daunting and nothing short of a miracle. Thank you for taking the time to read their brief story below. Please visit https://www.mydearbrother.org to read the longer, more detailed story.
BACKGROUND:
In 2010, my unit (2nd Battalion 9th Marines, Echo Company) was tasked with clearing the cities of Marjah and Sangin, Afghanistan. This was a heavily fortified Taliban stronghold in the notorious Helmand Province. My platoon was assigned three Afghan interpreters, two of which are now missing and presumed dead for their assistance to The United States Military. After several years of fighting alongside U.S. Troops and 10 years of patiently waiting for a Special Immigrant Visa from the United States government, my friend and Interpreter had no choice but to leave his family in Kabul, Afghanistan in an attempt to gain citizenship in Turkey. This was a last-ditch effort to find a better life for his family.
On August 14, 2021, my Interpreter asked me to help save his family after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. I dropped everything I was doing to pull together every resource and tap every network that I had created over the past 14 years, in an effort to save this incredible family. I am relieved that our story, unlike so many others, ended in celebration and that this family landed on United States soil on August 29, 2021.
THE NEED:
Today, I come to you in desperation for my Interpreter and his family who will need further assistance in the coming months. Their names and pictures are currently being withheld for security purposes, due to the current state of Afghanistan. This interpreter is a brave man of honor and respect. He is a true gentleman with a thirst for knowledge of the American way. This interpreter is my brother.
The family members include the Interpreter; his wife; daughter, age 7; daughter, age 4; son, age 4; 2 brothers-in-law.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
I am asking the American people to help my Interpreter’s family build a life in the United States. I am requesting that we show my Interpreter and his family who Americans really are by proving our appreciation for his protection and aid to the American military. Please help this family of 7 beautiful people land on their feet as they wash up on the shores of this incredible country to start their lives over. Every donation is crucial and nothing is too small. If you cannot donate today, please share our story far and wide.
This family needed me just as much as I have needed them. Please help me and my other Marines who fought alongside him to find peace in helping them rebuild.
FUNDING:
Money donated will go directly to the family. The funds will aid them in finding housing, schooling, and jobs. Every dollar inches them closer to becoming the contributing American citizens they so desire and deserve to be. We will update this page with how your funds are being used.