Yesterday marked a significant milestone for the 1208 Foundation as I had the privilege of representing our organization at a pivotal Congressional Roundtable convened by the Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee for Foreign Affairs. This momentous occasion brought me alongside esteemed colleagues from the Moral Compass Federation and the broader Afghan NGO community, uniting us in a shared mission to advocate for Afghan allies.
Over the past 30 months, our collective experiences have painted a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity and skepticism toward legislative change. Yet, it's the unwavering spirit of our community and the support from newfound allies that fuel our optimism.
For those keen on delving deeper, my oral testimony—crafted with the invaluable assistance of fellow 1208 members—is available on YouTube, offering a firsthand account of our advocacy efforts. Additionally, my written remarks provide further insight into our steadfast commitment to this cause.
Our testimony shed light on concerning issues, notably highlighted by the National Geographic documentary "Retrograde" and its unintended consequences, leading to the tragic loss of one of our NMRG members. Our concerted efforts to engage Disney (National Geographic's parent company) in a dialogue to support affected Afghans underscore the challenges we face in seeking justice and support for our allies.
Despite reaching the upper echelons of Disney's organizational structure, our pleas for assistance for the widow and child of Omar, and for the safe relocation of surviving NMRG members, were met with resistance. This experience reinforces our dedication to accountability and our refusal to let exploitation go unchallenged.
At 1208, our mission transcends advocacy; it's about providing tangible support to those left vulnerable by external decisions—like the families of those labeled as "collaborators" in Afghanistan, whose plight is exacerbated by social and economic challenges. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we continually seek opportunities to extend our support.
We implore our community and supporters to share our story and contribute in any way possible. In a world rife with turmoil, amplifying stories like Omar's and preventing their recurrence is imperative.
As we navigate these challenges, our resolve to support Afghan allies—through advocacy, direct assistance, and raising awareness—remains strong. The 1208 Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices and needs of Afghan NGOs, veterans, and their families are recognized and addressed.
We urge you to join us in this critical mission, whether through donations, spreading the word, or offering suggestions for how we can further our impact. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.
Until we meet again, let's remain committed to making a positive change and ensuring that the stories of Afghan allies are neither ignored nor forgotten.
Warm regards,
Thomas Kasza
Executive Director,
1208 Foundation