U.S. hero receives mortgage-free home in East Texas

MABANK, Texas ( KETK ) – Al Ahmady’s journey to becoming an American hero was not an easy one, working as an interpreter for the navy seals stationed in his home country of Iraq.

“From end of 2003 to end of 2009 more than 1,000 black Ops,” Ahmady said.

He earned the call name Johnnie Walker by his comrades but him joining was all by accident. After an interview he went home trying to figure out what a Navy SEAL was.

“I have big dictionary trying to find out what is SEAL mean, and I end up with seal is meaning animal seal,” Ahmady said.  “So I was like I’m not worried about it I’m going to work with sharks, with dolphins, with seal if they’re going to pay me.”

In reality, sharks weren’t the problem, but the rigors of war, which he endured along with his fellow soldiers. When his Iraqi home was no longer safe for him and his family. He came back with his team, becoming an American citizen in 2019 and now receiving a brand-new home thanks to Operation Finally Home .

“It’ beautiful it’s amazing, until now I just want to feel like I’m not dreaming… so it’s a dream,” Ahmady said.  “I mean if you feel the walls, you feel positive energy, those people who build it build it with passion. it’s not a house it’s home where you find yourself and where you belong.”

The organization handed the keys over to Ahmady and his family, in a ribbon cutting celebration in Mabank on Friday. When the keys exchanged hands, he jokingly pointed to his wife telling us it’s because she’s the boss.

“You can see from the turnout today he’s very well thought of,” said Ronnie Lyles, senior project manager for Operation Finally Home. “The community of Mabank is definitely behind this project and I just feel like he’s going to be such a great asset to the community.”

Several local businesses volunteered their time and resources to give this American hero a place to settle down for the long-haul.

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