U.S., Afghan service members honor ‘A true patriot of Afghanistan’

AFGHANISTAN

09.21.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Equite 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Silence filled the Afghan cultural center as U.S. and Afghan service members honored one of their own.

“A true patriot of Afghanistan,” began U.S. Army Capt. Jason Forte, a unit chaplain, after he welcomed more than 50 U.S. service members, Afghans, interpreters and friends to a ceremony Sept. 12 on a U.S. Marine base in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

“Today we will honor his memory,” Forte said.

U.S. service members, local nationals and friends paid tribute to Naeem Ramzani, a longtime linguist and Ghazni province native, who died of injuries suffered during a combat operation Sept. 7 in Nahr-e Saraj district.

Colleagues spoke of his courage and friends read scriptures from the Quran in his honor.

Not only did Ramzani serve as an interpreter, but he also advised team members on Afghan culture, said Khalid Ahmadi, a friend of Ramzani. He had a relationship with everyone, and he was well liked. He was a brother to the U.S. team members and a big brother to the other interpreters with the team, Ahmadi added.

His selfless dedication to his country made a profound impact on the people he worked with, said a U.S. Marine who worked regularly with Ramzani.

Ramzani conducted more than 80 combat operations during his time with the 7th Special Operations Kandak, which led to increased security throughout the Helmand and Farah provinces.

“The interpreters working with U.S. forces are true teammates,” said the Marine. “U.S. forces could not do the work they do without the experience and wisdom of the interpreters, our brothers.”

Ramzani was born Jan. 1, 1986 in Jaghori district. He began working as an interpreter in 2009 to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to secure Afghanistan against insurgent forces.

“Naeem was in every sense a team player and always put the team first,” said the Marine. “He was an excellent father, husband, brother and friend. He is loved dearly by his colleagues and his entire family.”

• Date Taken: 09.21.2013
• Date Posted: 09.21.2013 10:48
• Story ID: 114056
• Location: AF