My previous blog was about Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity®, the organization. I wanted to follow that story with this one about the family. I received an invitation to attend the Dedication Ceremony to the new home of Aladdin & Raghad Aldulaimi. Of course I attended! This family has been through so much and to finally see them achieve their American Dream of their new home ownership, was not to be missed.
If you are not familiar with their story, Aladdin is a former interpreter and patriot for the U. S. Army. During his time in the army as an interpreter, Al-Qaeda placed a $25,000 bounty on his head to silence the voices of those who dared aid American forces. He lived with danger every single day, a corrupt Iraqi army, militia, and the constant threat of violence. He sacrificed over and over on much of his journey, even leaving his left leg behind. That’s right! His left leg was blown off by an IED as his convoy was ambushed during a mission late one evening. Someone had leaked the convoys whereabouts earlier. Fortunately, he was immediately transported by helicopter to a green zone (aka safe zone) where he received multiple surgeries to save his life. Later, he and Raghad sought refuge to the United States where they would rebuild their lives together.
I believe Aladdin & Raghad’s story has touched all of us here at Hawkins. I can tell you one extraordinary example, and that is the son of Richard Andrus, Associate General Counsel here at Hawkins. Ollie constructed a cardboard box and made the decision to live in it for 24 hours, on the family’s front lawn, to raise money for Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity®. This was his summer break project that turned into this huge donation; he raised $2,615 to help! Ollie, I should tell you, is 11 years old. To donate that amount of money so selflessly. Isn’t that inspiring?
If you ever get a chance to meet Aladdin or Raghad, do it! I recommend you shake their hands and get to know them. Also, meet their adorable children, Miriam and Yosif. Their love and devotion to each other is what drives this family forward to a better life together and what has propelled them to bring their dreams to life! A true family unit! You can read more about their beautiful love story here: Love Lives Here – Habitat Stories | Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity (tvhabitat.org).
