After graduating high school in Kabul, Afghanistan, Raza Hotak spent four years at the country’s National Military Academy. He graduated as a first lieutenant and received a scholarship to study English in Malaysia. When he returned to Afghanistan in 2018, a friend told him about an opportunity to work for the U.S. Marines.
“I applied and got a job as an interpreter. I was stationed at Bagram Airfield, which was a large U.S. military base,” said Raza.
In April 2021, the U. S. announced it was withdrawing its troops after two decades of war.
“I finished work at Bagram that June, but I was called back in August to help the U.S. secure Hamid Karzai International Airport so the last American troops could withdraw.”
On Aug. 15, the president of Afghanistan fled the country, the government collapsed and the Taliban took over Kabul. Tens of thousands of Afghans were trying to leave their country. It was a dangerous time for many, and especially for Raza and his family.
“When the Taliban took over, I didn’t know if I’d ever get out of the country. If they know you’re working with the U.S., they’ll target you, kidnap you and kill you,” explained Raza. “Fortunately, I was able to safely evacuate with my wife, our son and my brothers, but I have family members who are still hiding in Afghanistan. Their situation is very bad.”
Raza and his family flew from Kabul to Qatar and then on to Germany, where his wife, who was nine months pregnant, gave birth to their second son. After a month and a half at Rammstein Air Base, they flew to Washington, D.C. They ended their long, difficult journey in Milwaukee.
“I remember asking a U.S. soldier about Wisconsin and he told me not to worry – that it’s the land of cheese! I still haven’t had any cheese,” he admitted.
Moving halfway across the world was full of challenges. Raza didn’t know anyone in Milwaukee, and he didn’t have a job. He eventually found a recruiter position at ManpowerGroup. Then, a friend told him about Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic.
“An Afghan friend had an appointment and asked me to accompany him. At the end of the appointment, the nurse practitioner, Steve Ohly, mentioned the clinic needed a community health worker.”
Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic is the largest free clinic in Wisconsin. Serving the greater Milwaukee community for over 25 years, the clinic provides health care to uninsured, immigrant, refugee, and homeless patients and families who have limited options for culturally appropriate and sometimes lifesaving care. The clinic provides chronic illness management, exercise and wellness classes, and helps clients learn English. All services are provided at no cost.
Raza joined the clinic as a volunteer community health worker and interpreter, primarily supporting recently arrived Afghans with the resettlement process, accessing basic needs, establishing health care, support groups and more.
“When I arrived, I didn’t have anyone to help me, so I’m very happy to be able to help others. The refugees come here and can’t speak English. They’re trying to support their families back in Afghanistan. We help them find classes to learn English and continue their education,” he said. “We help them make appointments so they can get physical and mental health care.”
Raza especially wants to help Afghan women become independent.
“When I arrived in the U.S., I saw that the women here are powerful and respected. Women in Afghanistan didn’t have any independence; they just stayed at home. Now we tell them they can do more and be more. My dream is that my countrywomen achieve independence too.”
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