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“I have a special prayer every night at midnight for an hour. I ask Allah to guide me in the right way.”
— Spc. Mohamed Sullaiman
By 1st Lt. Paul Weber
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
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Clik here to view.KABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan. — Spc. Mohamed Sullaiman, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serves to earn his U.S. citizenship.
Sullaiman joined the Army from Freetown, Sierra Leone, Africa in 2015. He said that he was, “inspired as an old man,” but chose to serve not only for himself, but for his Family.
Sullaiman deployed to Afghanistan with 1st Bn., 38th Inf. Reg., 1st SBCT, earlier this spring to fight for the country he now calls his own.
Three years ago, Sullaiman completed basic training with more than just a rank, he earned the right to become a U.S. citizen. Since then he has excelled as both a Soldier and leader.
“Spc. Sullaiman is a fit, inspired, disciplined, trained and truly inspirational Soldier,” said 1st Lt. Gerald Prater, platoon leader, 1st Bn., 38th Inf. Reg., 1st SBCT. “He is an outstanding contributor to the organization, always providing motivation and a positive outlook on life that spreads throughout the formation.”
Having been away from his Family for three years, Sullaiman understands the importance of constant communication.
“I try hard to talk to them every night so they know that I’m all right and everything is OK,” said Sullaiman.
Sullaiman’s motivation to be a standout Soldier stems from his drive to one day bring his entire Family to the U.S. Sullaiman’s wife, Booinah, and two children still live in Freetown. Booinah Sullaiman is raising their two children, Rachael, 13, and Abdul, 6, who are anxiously waiting to come to the U.S.
Mohamed Sullaiman hopes the opportunities available to all Americans will open new doors for his wife and children, giving his Family members the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and providing a better life for his children.
Mohamed Sullaiman, a Muslim, has kept his spirits high despite the distance between himself and his Family.
“I have a special prayer every night at midnight for an hour,” said Mohamed Sullaiman. “I ask Allah to guide me in the right way. He’s helping me not lose faith. It’s just a matter of time. I’m still going to keep praying until it finally happens.”
Having a Family in a different location has its challenges, but Mohamed Sullaiman is determined to provide for his Family and give them the best possible life.
“I live in the barracks and stay within the means of my paycheck so I can send money to my Family every month,” he said. “I don’t own a car and I visit my Family once a year depending on how much money I save.”
“(Mohamed) Sullaiman (has) drive and determination to provide for his Family and give them the best life possible, and (he) encourages others to do the same for their Families,” said Prater.
Mohamed Sullaiman plans on taking three weeks off after the deployment to visit his Family. His goal, with full support from his leadership, is to return with his Family.
Mohamed Sullaiman looks forward to the day he can bring his Family to the U.S. and give his wife and children the American dream.
“I’ll be one of the happiest men,” said Sullaiman. “I will say thanks to Allah for everything.”