The catalyst for Operation Pineapple Express began with the call from Passenger Number #1, known as Nezam - an Afghan Special Forces Sergeant who earlier in his career took a bullet in the face as he fought shoulder to shoulder with his American brothers, and for that was targeted for execution by the Taliban. They were hunting him as he hid out in Kabul, Afghanistan with his wife and three young children. His call was answered by an ABC Reporter and the Green Berets with whom he fought. They served as his guides helping him navigate the dangerous Taliban checkpoints, the unpredictable gate schedules, and the maze of civilians at the airport to  American troops who recognized the code symbol – Pineapple.
They found safety in America.
He and his family made it out alive with the help of a retired Green Beret and his team of Special Operations veterans who had come out of retirement to honor the promises they made to their Afghan brothers-in-arms. They were placed in a Resettlement Camp, where they’ve been for months, trying to move past the trauma of their Afghan exodus with only what they could carry in a backpack, leaving their homeland behind in the jarring transfer to a new country.
But safety is only the beginning. Resettlement is the next step...
This is literally the great American story of citizens rallying together for the greater good…of Americans who are generous of heart and willing to risk all for those who are in need. Now, we must rally again to resettle Nezam’s family, who sacrificed so much alongside their U.S. Special Operations Brothers against the Taliban’s brutal regime and came to America with little more than the clothes on their backs.
One thing is certain...just as he was in Afghanistan, Nezam will be an amazing leader here in America, and his family will be wonderful neighbors. But, just like our U.S. Warriors coming home from war, they need help from their community to overcome some of the gaps of transition to civilian life. As they begin this new chapter of their lives here in Tampa, Florida, they will need your help. They will need housing, transportation, furniture, clothing, food. Their children will need school supplies and an English tutor. All of them have been through massive trauma that needs to be resolved.
The government won’t do this. It’s up to us.
Nezam and his family need the kindness and compassion of the American People and their Tampa Neighbors.
Please help us.
Your donations to The Heroes Journey 501c3 to help resettle Nezam are tax-deductible. To donate goods or services, please contact Stacey Donahue at [email protected]

Donate at settlenezam.com