Task Force Atterbury: A mural for hope

Photo By Sgt. Trinity Carter | Tiffany Black, an Art Facilitator with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Ahmadi, an Afghan guest, show off their completed “traveling mural” to Soldiers and leaders of Operation Allies Welcome at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Dec. 21, 2021. The project, inspired by the artists’ experiences in Afghanistan and hopes for a better future, incorporates therapeutic techniques and creative expression as a means to promote healing and well-being among Afghan evacuees during the resettlement process. This initiative provides essential support at secure locations outside of Afghanistan. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities in permanent or temporary structures as quickly as possible. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trinity Carter/ 14th Public Affairs Detachment)  

CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, UNITED STATES

01.01.2022

Story by Sgt. Trinity Carter 

Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge   

CAMP ATTERBURY, Indi. – Thousands were displaced from their homes and fought to get to America. The date Aug. 15, 2021, will be remembered as the day that took many lives and allowed the freeing of thousands.
A mural was created through the course of Operation Allies Welcome to tell the story of those Afghans that escaped Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul on Aug. 15th. Multiple Afghan guests, civilian volunteers, and members of the military contributed to the painting of the mural.
“[We used circles to] represent the idea of how all immigrant people have to start their new lives from zero in an unknown place.” Ahmadi, a known Afghan artist who took lead on the project, said, “We are from a generation of pain and screams, and we can not forget all the suffering we have faced. So we tried to collect pieces of stories for how people felt and what their perspectives were for the future.”
Tiffany Black is an Art Program Manager volunteer at Camp Atterbury, Ind. during Operation Allies Welcome. Black has led many art projects before the mural and was inspired by an organization called “Art of the Soul” which hosted art therapy classes for Afghan guests at Camp Atterbury. After the idea of the project was recognized, Black searched for Afghan guests who would like to lead in the creation of the mural. Black was then put into contact with Ahmadi, an artist from Afghanistan. To protect her family and herself, Ahmadi was forced to destroy all of her work before fleeing Afghanistan. Through the creation of this mural, Ahmadi was able to rekindle her passion for art after spending countless hours sketching and designing the outline for the mural.
“When I started designing, I found that it spoke to me. Although it was painful for me as well.” Ahmadi stated, “The mural is not the story of the collapse of Afghanistan; it is a presentation of how thousands of people were displaced and separated from each other. Even though they tried their best to have a peaceful life in Afghanistan.”
Eventually, the Afghans’ stories of suffering and hope had been brought to life by Ahmadi; encased in seven highly detailed circles that not only represented the struggles but also told the story of the Afghans who fled Afghanistan.
“The far-left circle is my favorite.” Black stated, “This one represents the freedom Afghan guests can now experience in America. It shows dancing and music surrounded by breaking chains because these were things that were banned in Afghanistan by the Taliban. Here they can finally be free to enjoy their lives.”
Within the painting process of the mural, two Afghan guests, who thought of each other as sisters, began to depict their stories upon the mural. When interviewed, they discussed their experiences of fleeing to America, which were represented most by the center largest circle.
“The middle one is my favorite.” Hakini, one of the two friends, teared up, “This one shows the struggle many have taken to get to America. It shows the methods of transportation that Afghans had to do, as well as the different organizations that had helped in the process to save us. And of course, in the middle of all of this is the number 15 that shows the day everything changed for Afghanistan.”
Hakini shared her story about being in a crowd that was just outside the Kabul airport as they pushed each other trying to escape Afghanistan. She was pushed so hard by the crowd that she fell into barbed wire, which gave her deep cuts on her leg. Hakini expressed her gratitude to the military for quickly noticing her injury and providing aid.
Abdaly, a friend of Hakini, shared a similar story of bombs exploding outside of the airport. Abdaly’s hands trembled as she spoke about the deaths that occurred while trying to escape Afghanistan.
“I hope that one day the Afghan government will listen to their people.” Abdaly lightly cried, “I hope that one day they understand that we are human.”
Each circle on the mural represents the hopes and struggles all the Afghan guests share. Both friends agreed that they hope that those people who were lucky enough to escape from Afghanistan keep fighting for their people once they resettle. Also, to help those that weren’t so lucky to escape.
Black mentioned the first showing of the “Traveling Mural” will hopefully start at the Indianapolis airport in January before moving to different locations all over the country.
“Through the traveling exhibition, we will be raising money for Open Hands for Children.” Black shared, “It is an organization Ahmadi has worked with for more than ten years. They are currently on the ground in Afghanistan trying to provide care to Afghan children.”
The mural is a remembrance piece of Operation Allies Welcome. This project was made to share the stories of Afghan guests’ struggles and to inspire millions.
If anyone wants to learn more about this operation or how to help in the cause can go to dhs.gov/operation-allies-welcome for more information.

• Date Taken: 01.01.2022
• Date Posted: 01.05.2022 10:29
• Story ID: 412420
• Location: CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US
• Hometown: EDINBURGH, IN, US