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2015-05-22 18:07:08 Views : 727 |

News: High school graduation reunites Iraqi refugee & soldier



Lava Barwari graduated from Mill Creek High School on Thursday (Photo: Jeremy Campbell/WXIA)


ishtartv.com- 11alive.com

Jeremy Campbell, WXIA 12 a.m. EDT May 22, 2015

 

Eighteen years ago an American solider loaned out his name so an Iraqi mother could stay with her daughter. At graduation the helpful strangers were reunited.

 

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- Lava Barwari's graduation ceremony would not be complete without one man.

"He's been in my life for as long as I can remember," she said.

Barwari's referring to a soldier she met just once when she was 36 days old.

"He literally gave her the American life," explained her mother, Azai Barwari.

Lava was born under a dictatorship in Iraq to a mother who worked with a children's relief organization that had ties to American churches. In Iraq in 1997 that was just cause for beheading.

"Sadaam Hussein was moving his forces up in to northern Iraq with a kill list on anyone who had been working with western organizations," explained former solider Greg Peppin.

Lava's mother was put on that kill list, offering $5,000 for anyone who'd take her life.

When she learned this, she decided there was just one choice. She decided to leave behind her possessions, her home and her family to seek refuge in America.

"I just think as a mom I thought I didn't want my daughter to face everything I faced," Barwari said.

However when she got to the border, Lava's name wasn't on the roster for transport back to the States. The mother could go. The baby could not.

"We were not going to leave our daughter behind. That's for sure," Barwari said.

That's when Army soldier Greg Peppin bent the rules.

He remembers telling the family "Lava's name is not on the list. But if the baby's name was Greg it's got to be related to me. And so it could go."

In that brief moment an American life began with a borrowed name.

The solider and the refugees would not speak again until Lava sent an email 18 years later.

"I wanted to thank him for everything he did for my family," she said.

Peppin did more than simply reply.

The now retired solider flew in from Washington.

"I am happy you tracked me down," he told Lava. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

On Thursday, he watched her walk across the stage at Mill Creek High School, her name on the list of graduates.

"They're perfect examples of someone coming to America and America embracing them and helping them achieve their goals," he said.

Lava plans to begin college this fall. Another graduation ceremony is in this family's future. Her mother completes her master's degree later this summer.

 

 

 







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