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The Walker Family

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Location

Mabank, Texas

Project Status

In Progress

U.S. Military Interpreter “Johnny Walker”

Born in Iraq, Al Ahmady “Johnny Walker” (code name) chose to assist the U.S. military as an interpreter for six years. Putting his own life and the lives of his family in danger, Johnny worked with Naval Special Warfare from 2003-2009, serving as a linguist, cultural advisor, and team member in countless direct-action missions in Iraq, including against Al Qaeda militants.

During the course of his work with the U.S. military, Johnny suffered a number of injuries in the line of duty. While on countless missions with U.S. Navy SEALs, Johnny lost his front teeth and sustained hip and shoulder injuries in Humvee accidents as well as a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to numerous mortar attacks and improvised explosive device (IED) detonations. After serving in sustained and continued combat missions over the course of his service, Walker also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Following Walker’s six years of service to the military in Iraq, members of the team he was working with endeavored to bring him back to the United States, fearing for his safety in his home country. Walker and his family, which includes his wife, two sons, a daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, moved to the United States, leaving behind all their belongings. Walker became a U.S. citizen in 2019.

In 2014, Walker published a book, Code Name: Johnny Walker, about his experience as a combat interpreter.

Walker currently works full-time as a supervisor for RailWorks Track Systems, Inc. since February 2023 and previously worked as a Lyft driver. He plans to retire within the next five to six years. Walker’s wife is currently attending college, a milestone that would not have been possible had the family remained in Iraq.

Walker and his family continue to serve their adopted country. The family currently lives in California and volunteers with the local police department and educates the community through public speaking engagements. The family enjoys spending time together, visiting with friends and barbecuing. In his free time, Walker enjoys working on cars.  The family hopes to move to Texas in the future, where a lower cost of living will allow them to continue to live out their American dream.

The town of Mabank led by a local team of builders are honored to utilize the Operation Finally Home process to provide U.S. military interpreter Johnny Walker and his family a mortgage-free home in Mabank, Texas.

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