“I am a new Mohammed.” – Mohammed (last name unknown), April, 2010

An article posted on the Detroit Free Press’s website last Sunday details a moving account of sacrifice, compassion, and redemption.

The story describes the efforts of David Howell, a 56-year-old major in the Michigan National Guard, who encountered an adolescent Iraqi boy named Mohammed at a Ramadi checkpoint in November 2008. Mohammed, who was severely disfigured in a house fire when he was two-years-old, asked Howell to save him by taking him to the United States.  Despite significant obstacles, Howell arranged for Mohammed to come to Michigan, where he would live for a year and receive medical treatment.

Mohammed’s last name is not given in the article because of concerns that doing so might expose the family to danger back in Iraq, particularly considering the boy’s father was killed by insurgents three years ago while working as a translator for the Marines. Now 13-years-old, Mohammed has undergone five successful surgeries to repair the damage caused by the fire.  In one year living with a host family in East Lansing, Michigan, he has grown over three inches, gained 25 pounds, and developed a love for playing baseball and the Detroit Tigers.

Though extraordinary, Howell’s sacrifice reflects that of the thousands of U.S. military personnel who are still serving in Iraq over seven years after the beginning of the war.  His efforts, and the generosity of the many doctors, donors, and families who have helped enhance Mohammed’s life, are testimony to a decency of spirit that has overcome the tragedy of war.

Before returning to Iraq, friends organized a going-away party for Mohammed .  After the party, Mohammed reflected on his incredible journey and his year in Michigan, saying, “I am a new Mohammed.”