Army service opens path to United States

By Samantha Munsey

Pima Community College student Ammar Alsamawy, 27, is earning a master’s degree in veterinary science, has one brother and one sister, likes to ice sculpt in his spare time and enjoys adventures to Mount Lemmon.

But, the most interesting fact about Alsamawy is that he was born and raised in a country very different from the United States.

Alsamawy, who has lived in Tucson since last summer, is originally from Baghdad, Iraq, a place most of us recognize from television and the news as being a site for war.

In Iraq, Alsamawy tried to lead a normal life as a veterinarian to local farm animals in his neighborhood.

“I mostly took care of large animals. Dogs, cats, cows, and chickens,” Alsamawy said. “Everything except horses.”

While following his usual work routine in September 2007, Alsamawy found himself caught in the middle of a Sunni and Shiite conflict. He was kidnapped and threatened with his life before being released.

“I was terrified, I thought I was going to die,” Alsamawy said.

Realizing the instability of his country and being concerned about safety for himself and his family, Alsamawy signed up for the U.S. Army.

“People who are from Iraq can get a special migration visa if they serve in the Army more than a year, so I did it,” Alsamawy said.

While in the Army, he worked as an interpreter for more than two years. During this period, he was able to learn English.

After completing his time, Alsamawy moved from Iraq with his family to the United States. He is currently residing in Tucson with his cousin, who also served in the U.S. Army in order to obtain a visa.

He is grateful to be out of Iraq and its ongoing turmoil of war and religious conflict. “My family is safer in Tucson,” Alsamawy said.

Since moving to Tucson, Alsamawy has had his fair share of culture shock, especially when it comes to everyday tasks.

“Completely different way of living,” Alsamawy said. “I didn’t even make my own food until I moved here.”

He was equally surprised to discover the weather in Tucson is much cooler and less humid than in Iraq.

Alsamawy enrolled in an English as a Second Language class at PCC, where he is working to perfect his English speaking skills and discover new things about American culture.

“I learn something new every day,” Alsamawy said.

His advice for people who are new to the United States: take any job that is available, work hard and try new things.

Ammar Alsamawy - Aztec Press photo by Gabi Pina