Former interpreter for U.S military faces new hardship in N. TX

A man who came to North Texas to escape danger and find opportunity and safety for his family is in need of help himself.

He’s a native of Afghanistan and has been the target of death threats because of his work as an interpreter for the U.S. military.

Now from his hospital bed at the Medical Center of Plano, 32-year-old Abdul Samad once again finds himself worrying about the fate of his wife and four kids less than a year after leaving Afghanistan. 

“I received calls on my phone [that said], ‘I know what you are, which kind of weapon you carry and what's your job and with American. I will find you and find your family also,’” said Samad.  

Samad and his family came to the U.S. 10 months ago under a special immigrant visa program for Afghanis who faced death threats while working with the U.S. military.

Samad got a job as a security guard in Plano and was on his way to work Monday morning when Richardson police say a truck swerved out of the HOV lane on Hwy. 75 and into the side of Samad's minivan, seriously injuring him.
 
“When I opened my eyes, I was in the hospital,” he said.
 
He’s the sole provider for his family, which has already been through much hardship.
 
“Unfortunately what happens, as our government and out troops our military begin to pull out, they've allied with the United States and now they're no longer safe and they're targets in their own country,” said Ashley Reimer with Refugee Services of Texas.

Refugee Services of Texas helped the Samads settle in Dallas last fall.

Aside from new Afghani friends in North Texas, they have no other family around to help. 

Samad's wife is taking English lessons, but doesn’t know enough to get by. 

She and their kids relied on Samad, who even in his current state is anxious to get back to work.

“My hope is a good education for my kids,” he said. “That's all I need. It's all I want.”
“That’s what you're working towards?” FOX 4 asked.

“Yes, because my time has already passed,” he said. “I can't keep following my education. Four kids and one wife. I have to keep taking care of them.”

Samad's friends created a GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/6e8ze6ejas