LACEY, Wash. — If Mohammad Mahis stayed in Afghanistan, he thinks he would have been killed.
“I knew it was not safe to be there, based on my work background,” said Mahis.
The father of four had been a translator for the American military, but when U.S. forces left in August of 2021, Mahis knew it was time for him and his family to go as well.
He tracked down retired U.S. Army Green Beret Dave Bligh, someone Mahis translated for in Afghanistan.
Bligh helped Mahis, his wife, brother, and four daughters get out and relocate to Thurston County in December of 2021.
None of the girls could speak English when they arrived.
Nearly three years later, all four are enrolled at Lacey’s Seven Oaks Elementary School.
“I think it’s great seeing them grow up and thriving here,” said Bligh.
“I’m glad I can speak English now,” said 7-year-old Zuhal Mahis.
Her big sister, Frohar Mahis, 9, wants to be a doctor or a teacher when she grows up.
Mursal Mahis, 6, likes gymnastics and thinks she wants to be a teacher.
The youngest, Tamkin, age 4, just started kindergarten.
Mohammad Mahis said he’s happy his daughters are doing so well in school and he’s excited to see what else is in store for them.
“Since the Taliban took over the power they don’t let girls go to school,” said Mohammad Mahis.
According to the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, more than 9,500 refugees have settled in the state since 2021.