Page 6 - MIL Connection Winter 2018

A new American story

Not all Americans are born in America. Recently, MIL accountant In February 2013, Nashat applied and was hired by MIL to
and Post Allotment Business Analyst Nashat Zeidallah and support a U.S. Department of State contract. As Nashat had
his wife became naturalized American citizens. Together they previously served as an accountant at the American Embassy in
took the Oath of Allegiance (also called the USA Citizenship Damascus for 15 years, and was familiar with both MIL and the
Oath), celebrating, once again, the hope and opportunity the US State Department programs MIL conducts, he was an ideal fit for
represents to many of the World’s citizens. According to the U.S. the company. Almost immediately, Nashat distinguished himself
Citizenship and Immigration Services, the US has welcomed and in his first position at MIL as a Voucher Examiner, receiving a
estimated 7.4 million naturalized citizens over the last 10 years. “Certification of Appreciation” for outstanding performance
Nashat and his family—his wife Huda and three young sons— in support of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law
came to the US from Syria in 2012, leaving behind them war, Enforcement Affairs-Kabul within his first two months on the job.
instability, and unrest. Sadly, they also left behind family and The last five years have seen many
friends and a way of life that was both familiar and precious, for a changes and adjustments for the
wholly unknown future in America. A leap of faith. entire Zeidallah family. For the Nashat and his family
When they first arrived in the US, Nashat and his wife and children, it’s meant English as a came to the US from
children had no family to welcome them. But, in Nashat’s view Second Language classes and an
they were still “blessed by God” as they had a community group opportunity to learn all about their Syria in 2012, leaving
in Easton, Maryland to host them when they first landed. The new country in public schools; first in behind them war,
group selected Fred and Anne Smyth (who joined them in their Maryland and now in Charleston. For
Oath ceremony and are pictured with them in the photo) to Huda, it’s also been about learning instability, and unrest.
facilitate and assist them in getting settled. The Smyths helped the language and the culture, but
with paperwork, finding an apartment, opening a bank account, also about teaching about her own
etc. They were also very instrumental in helping Nashat and Huda “Mother” country’s history, customs,
get their eldest son, Moustafa, 6-years old at the time, enrolled and beliefs. For example, Huda recently shared with readers her
and started in school in less than a week. With time, Fred and insight into Al-Hijri, the Islamic New Year, in an article published
Anne became the Zeidallahs “extended family,” so much so that by Charleston’s Post and Courier. With support and fellowship
when they decided to relocate to Charleston, SC, the Smyths from new friends and congregants of the Central Mosque of
decided to move as well so they could all remain close. Charleston, Huda has made a place for herself in her community.
As for Nashat, his new life in America has been bittersweet since
he had to leave behind what he had known and cherished; most
especially his mother and sister who still live in Syria, a world
away.
In his citizenship oath, Nashat pledged to “bear true faith and
allegiance,” with a special emphasis on faith. When asked what
advice he would give other world citizens coming to America to
start again, he replied “Have faith in God.” On a more practical
note, he added “and take any job.” Great advice from someone
who has been there—and moved on.

Have a great story
The Zeidallah family and their host family, Fred and Ann Smyth
from your team?
After getting settled in Maryland, the first order of business was
to begin building a new American life. As luck and perseverance E-mail us at:
would have it, Walmart was the first employer to answer the call, communications@milcorp.com
offering Nashat his first paying job in America. And while his
wife and children went about the task of learning a new language, for newsletter consideration!
Nashat got to work establishing a work history that would help to
ground him in his new country.

6 | The mil connection | winter 2018