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Afghan Translator Begs Fresno Radio Audience: 'You Guys Are My Last Hope'
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By Nancy Price, Multimedia Journalist
Published 4 years ago on
August 18, 2021

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An Afghan man who provided translation services for since-retired Marine Maj. Terry Slatic during his tours in Afghanistan, as well as other U.S. troops, told Slatic and PowerTalk 96.7 radio host Trevor Carey on Tuesday that he fears for his life if he has to remain there now that the Taliban have taken over the country.

“You guys are my last hope,” sobbed the man known as “John” by the Americans who teamed with him in the Helmand Province, Bagram Air Base, and other locations. “We just want to leave.”

Afghan nationals who assisted American troops and contractors during the 20-year conflict are now fearful that they may be targeted for reprisal by the Taliban and are desperate to leave.

Slatic, a Fresno Unified School Board member, told John that he has been in contact with U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark, and other officials, seeking their assistance in obtaining an exit visa and plane ticket for John. He urged the PowerTalk audience to reach out to their congressional representatives, senators, and President Joe Biden with a single message: “Save John.”

Slatic hopes the podcast will be shared to spread the word of John’s plight.

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Nancy Price,
Multimedia Journalist
Nancy Price is a multimedia journalist for GV Wire. A longtime reporter and editor who has worked for newspapers in California, Florida, Alaska, Illinois and Kansas, Nancy joined GV Wire in July 2019. She previously worked as an assistant metro editor for 13 years at The Fresno Bee. Nancy earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her hobbies include singing with the Fresno Master Chorale and volunteering with Fresno Filmworks. You can reach Nancy at 559-492-4087 or Send an Email

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