Valentina and Andrew Simich, two military veterans from Celina, met the family of Afghan refugees that they helped to leave their native country for the first time at DFW Airport on Wednesday, FOX 4 News reported.
The couple had an emotional first encounter with the refugees after spending the past few months anxiously waiting for them to arrive. The family, who have undergone a long and challenging journey to escape their home, will now settle here in Texas.
The couple’s effort to help refugees began near the end of summer when Afghanistan became increasingly dangerous. The Taliban started to overtake cities, endangering Afghans who had assisted United States troops during the War on Terror.
Initially, the Simiches started by assisting with paperwork. Andrew felt compelled to help people in these harrowing situations, especially those with young children desperate to get away from the Taliban.
With the help of other military veterans and connections, Andrew and Valentina helped get 56 refugees out of Afghanistan. One of those families was that of Sayed Sidiqi, who assisted the United States as an interpreter.
In an interview with Fox News, Andrew said Sidiqi asked him what state he lived in, and when he learned it was Texas, he informed Andrew that he was headed to Fort Worth. Andrew told Sidiqi right then that he would be waiting at the airport to welcome Sidiqi and his family. According to Valentina, Sidiqi replied, “I hope so, if I make it out of here.”
The Simiches eagerly awaited Sidiqi and his family’s arrival. After an arduous journey that took them through several countries, Sidiqi and his family made it to Fort Worth.
Sadiqi was incredibly grateful for the assistance Valentina and Andrew provided him and his family – his wife, their three children, and their nephew were now safely in Texas, far from the turmoil they faced in Afghanistan.
“They did a lot for me, especially Valentina,” Sadiqi told Fox. “She was an angel for us, and she saved our lives.”
The Simiches were happy to help, especially when someone like Sidiqi, who assisted United States forces for several years. Valentina considered helping him and his family no more than a well-deserved repayment of a favor.
Andrew and Valentina intend to continue their work with refugees and assist those families in finding a home for themselves in the United States.
