Fahim Fazli US Marine Recommendation

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION IN THE CASE OF FAHIM FAZLI

2009/2010 Afghanistan With US Marines

R. P. BENSON From: Commanding Officer R. P. BENSON Subj: LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION IN THE CASE OF FAHIM FAZLI Fahim Fazli is currently employed as my cultural advisor and linguistic professional. My role as a company commander in Afghanistan has been to build close relationships with Afghan government officials, to mentor and train elements of the Afghan National Security Forces, to re-establish Afghan infrastructure at the local level, and to establish a mutual level of respect and understanding with the local population. Fahim’s cultural and linguistic expertise have been critical in my ability to immediately establish a rapport with every Afghan I meet. Fahim’s cultural backgound and ability to utilize Pashto, Dari, Farsi, and Urdu have made me successful as a battlespace owner. As my personal linguist Fahim has gone everywhere in India Company’s battlespace that I have gone. He has accompanied me on every patrol and every movement. His level of motivation and personal drive have been constant throughout the deployment, whether patroling in temperatures of more than 100 degrees or going firm for the evening in 40 degree rain. During Operation Swift Change, a heliborn operation to clear the Buji Bhast Pass, Fahim operated along side the Marines of India Company facing the same dangers and hardships they faced. His linguistic and cultural skills were crucial in the clearing of over 12 villages, covering more than 17 kilometers, over a three day period. As a United States citizen Fahim Fazli is a patriot. He put aside a successful career as an actor in Hollywood and left his wife and daughter at home in order to give back to the country that has given him so many opportunities. Moreover, he asked to be placed with Infantry Marines in order to help Afghanistan; the country where his life began. Fahim saw this as an opportunity to serve his country while trying to help his former home. Spending the last 10 months with Fahim has been an absolute pleasure. He has proved to be a compasionate man who is honorable, faithful, and completely trustworthy. He has become a brother not just to me, but to each of the Marines under my charge. He has been a tremendous asset to both myself and to India Company as a whole. Fahim Fazli is enthusiastically recommended for duties of increased authority and responsibility. R. P. BENSON