Learn about 'A Different Kind of U.S. War Hero' Oct. 27

During his three years of dedicated service as a translator for the American Army in Iraq, Thamir Mohammed, a native of Baghdad, made significant contributions in the war against Iraq and Al-Qaeda. "A Different Kind of U.S. War Hero," Thamir will present some of his most compelling experiences and take questions from the audience from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Italian-American Veterans Museum in Stone Park.

Conveniently located at 3800 W. Division, two blocks east of Mannheim Road, in Stone Park, this event is open to the public. Admission and parking are free. For photos and more information, http://IAVM.posterous.com.

IED explosions were a daily event in Iraq, especially on the road from the Bagdad airport. On one occasion, after a long, successful day on patrol, insurgents, laying in wait, detonated a bomb causing a massive blast to Thamir's Humvee and seriously injuring three American soldiers.

Although the insurgents were clearly armed and waiting for the soldiers to jump out of the burning vehicle, Thamir stepped unarmed into the live fire to help rescue soldiers from “his” platoon. As he worked with the medic, soldiers from the rest of his platoon fired on the insurgents.

During the Sons of Iraq campaign, Thamir played a role in changing the course of the war on Al-Qaeda in the Zaidan region, Iraq's most dangerous war zone, where American troops had been losing lives regularly. Major Liebhaber, Thamir's commander who is now serving at West Point, is passionate about Thamir's loyalty, dedication and importance to his efforts allowing American forces to retake the area and, more importantly, stop (or greatly lessen) the loss of American lives. It was a controversial but successful action that garnered praise from General Patraeus.

After three years of loyal service, Thamir and other Iraqi translators were identified to Iraq's Department of Ministry by American contractor GLS … for “tax purposes.” Soon after, Thamir survived a car bomb planted on his personal vehicle, courtesy of Al-Qaeda.

Now exposed, it was necessary to escape Iraq. With recommendation and character letters from Liebhaber and other American officers in hand, he applied for a refugee visa at the American Embassy. Thamir and his young family waited in fear for an entire year before their visa was approved. They escaped Iraq in the middle of the night to begin their new life in Rockford.

This new IAVM Speaker Series has been created to educate people on military history, create a dialogue about veterans and to introduce people to the museum and its exhibits.

For more information on The Italian-American Veterans Museum, visit ItalianAmericanVeteransMuseum.com.