Week of January 16

Here’s another round-up of what we’ve been doing and reading this week, from the news and around the web:

This week the nation celebrated the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and brave men and women who fought for the equality of all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or religion. To help celebrate VFAI joined forces with Islamic Relief USA in a day of serviceworked the Islamic Heritage Museum deliver hot meals and fresh produce to the Washington, D.C. community of Anacostia.

“When I see people of different colors, working together out in the cold to help people in need that gives me hope. That shows love. It’s tangible,” said Islamic Relief USA CEO Anwar Khan. The day of service shared between Islamic Relief, military veterans, and the D.C. community did much to honor Dr. King: “Everybody can be great. Because everybody can serve . . . you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

Other veteran leaders are also taking the opportunity to praise diversity, service, and a commitment to American ideals. As VFAI leader Arti-Walker Peddakolta writes about that service: “The military family that I became a part of was the most beautifully multicultural and diverse representation of the melting pot that is America.”

Peddakolta, an American of Indian descent, has endured her fair share of bigotry and intolerance. “I was called a terrorist while walking down the street with my family. This man did not know me, or the fact that I had worn that Army uniform and served to protect and defend his right to say what he said.”

Now, she sees her service and the values she fought for as a way to bridge the divide in today’s society. “I came to believe that the military is the best representation of what America can be if we choose to, in spite of our differences, work together to form a shared union," said Peddakolta. "What matters is your duty to the uniform that now defines the family you’ve vowed to protect, and the country you’ve promised to serve.”

Be sure to read Arti Walker-Peddakolta’s full article here!

Along with advocating for a unified United States, vets are also speaking out about the commitment to allies, like the thousands of interpreters and translators that served alongside US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. This week we feature VFAI leader Travis Weiner, a U.S. Army veteran and student at University of Colorado- Boulder, who shares his perspective:

“Do the people who fought alongside us deserve to live here? I think most vets who served with an interpreter, and most citizens of this country, would say yes it’s our responsibility to get this message out there, to tell people, for example, about the people who helped us when we were overseas. As a vet, I feel responsible to use my experience as a gateway for support on these issues.”

Read Travis’ full featured leaders series here!

For veterans in the Virginia, D.C., and Maryland region, be sure to join VFAI leader Mansoor Shams as he hosts an important conversation about service and Islamophobia at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center in Baltimore on January 29! VFAI founder Scott Cooper and VFAI leader Sarah Feinberg will join Mansoor and other local Muslim community leaders in what be the most important event following the residential inauguration. Be sure to RSVP here!

Have reactions to share, or want to learn how you can be involved in our efforts to raise veteran voices in support of refugees? Find us on Facebook or Twitter, or contact us at vfai@humanrightsfirst.