[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING NESAR AHMAD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZACHARY NUNN

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 20, 2026

  Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend 
Nesar Ahmad for his extraordinary service to the United States and his 
unwavering commitment to the Americans and Afghan allies who served 
alongside one another in Afghanistan.
  During the Afghanistan War, Nesar served alongside American forces as 
an interpreter, putting his own life at risk to protect American 
servicemembers and advance our mission. His understanding of the 
language, culture, and people made him an invaluable partner to the 
Americans serving in harm's way.
  After coming to the United States in 2014, Nesar continued answering 
the call to serve. In the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan 
in 2021, I helped found Task Force Argo to evacuate Americans and our 
Afghan allies, and Nesar once again joined our mission to stand with 
the interpreters and families who risked everything to stand with us.
  For nearly five years, Nesar has continued to volunteer helping 
Afghan interpreters, allies, and their families find safety, stability, 
and a new beginning. Nesar understood personally what was at stake, and 
his mission was to never leave an ally behind. The people we were 
fighting to save had to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American 
troops, often risking everything to do so. He helped ensure America 
continues to stand with them in return.
  As a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, I know firsthand how 
our troops relied on courageous interpreters like Nesar. Through Task 
Force Argo, I have also had the privilege of seeing his courage, 
loyalty, and commitment to others.
  Now, Nesar is sharing that story through his book, The Terp: A Life 
Between Languages and Loyalties. His story preserves the sacrifices of 
the interpreters who served beside us and reminds future generations of 
the human cost of war and the bonds forged through service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Nesar a friend and fellow member of 
Task Force Argo, and I commend him for his continued service to the 
country he now calls home.

                          ____________________