In Loving Memory of Mohammed Jamal Wali: A Call to Action for Compassion, Awareness, and Support
Dear friends, family, colleagues, and battle buddies,
It is with profound sorrow that I write to you today regarding a devastating incident that has shaken our community and spotlighted the silent struggles endured by those who have stood with us in some of the most dangerous corners of the world. On April 23, 2025, our cherished brother-in-arms and former ODA interpreter, Mohammed Jamal Wali, tragically lost his life during a traffic stop in Fairfax, Virginia. The cause? An expired vehicle registration tag—a symptom of the financial hardship he had been battling in silence.
For those of us who had the honor of serving alongside Mohammed, we knew him not only as an interpreter, but as a warrior. He served shoulder-to-shoulder with our special operations forces in Afghanistan with unwavering bravery and commitment during Operation Enduring Freedom. He risked his life to protect American soldiers and uphold our shared mission, asking for nothing in return but the chance to live a peaceful life with his family.
Sadly, that peace was never fully granted.
The Tragic Reality Behind the Headlines
The incident that claimed Mohammed’s life was not just about an expired tag. The bodycam footage—which is as heartbreaking as it is telling—reveals a man clearly in crisis, struggling visibly with the weight of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His mental and emotional distress during the stop is unmistakable. And it is not unique.
This is the painful reality for too many veterans and allies: they return or relocate to our communities bearing the invisible scars of war—PTSD, anxiety, depression, survivor’s guilt, and more—yet often have few resources to turn to, limited support systems, and the feeling that their sacrifice is being forgotten.
Mohammed was a husband and a father of four. He was not just our interpreter—he was our friend, our brother, our teammate. He mattered.
Our Shared Responsibility
This loss is not just a tragedy for his family. It is a call to action for all of us.
In 2018, I founded the Interpreting Freedom Foundation because I saw a gap in how we support our Afghan combat interpreters and allies who were resettled after their service. We envisioned a world where no one who stood beside us in battle would ever feel alone again. Yet, here we are, mourning one of our own—in our own backyard.
To law enforcement officers reading this: We deeply respect your service and your sacrifice. Your job is difficult and increasingly complex. But when you come across individuals in distress—especially those visibly struggling, as Mohammed was—please reach out to us. The Interpreting Freedom Foundation is here, ready to step in, assist, de-escalate, and provide mental health resources before tragedy strikes.
This isn’t just about one man. It’s about building bridges between law enforcement, communities, and the veterans and allies who are still fighting unseen battles every day.
A Plea for Unity and Action
This is a moment to come together. Let us remember Mohammed by taking meaningful steps toward preventing this from ever happening again. Let us offer empathy before judgment, support before discipline, and connection before isolation.
We ask that you:
- Share Mohammed’s story to raise awareness about the mental health struggles of our allies and veterans.
- Watch and reflect on the footage, as difficult as it may be, to understand what was missed.
- Support organizations that provide mental health, legal, and community services for those who’ve served.
- Reach out to the Interpreting Freedom Foundation if you or someone you know is struggling or if you’re a public official encountering similar cases.
In Memory of Mohammed Jamal Wali
Let us honor Mohammed’s life not with silence or blame—but with action, unity, and renewed commitment. His legacy should not be defined by the manner of his passing, but by the courage he showed in life, the lives he helped protect, and the family he loved fiercely.
To his grieving wife and children: you are not alone. We stand with you. We mourn with you. And we will fight for the justice, resources, and dignity that Mohammed—and so many like him—deserve.
Let us make sure this never happens again.
With deepest respect and resolve,
[Your Name]
Founder, Interpreting Freedom Foundation
www.interpretingfreedom.org
“No ally left behind. Not then, not now.”