A Battlefield Tourist

Wounded Iraqi “Terp” Gets New Home and New Leg

Sep 3 at 10:10pm by David Tate

Here’s a great story I had the privilege of working on today.  I think you all will really enjoy it. 

Meet Hayder Kharalla, an Iraqi who joined US forces as an interpreter in 2003.  It was in that year, during an ambush, Hayder braved enemy fire to try to rescue a fallen US soldier.  The soldier died and Hayder took a round through both legs; a wound that eventually forced doctors to remove his right leg. 

Hayder would eventually move to Jordan after his family was threatened with death. 

Earlier this year, Hayder and his family were part of the largest wave of Iraqis allowed to immigrate since the start of the war and they settled in Roanoke, Virginia.

Coverage of Hayder’s story by WSLS-Roanoke (NBC) led to the donation of two prosthetic limbs that he hopes will help him fulfil his American dream.

Mollie Halpern wrote this continuing coverage story and David Tate shot and edited this particular segment (which originally aired September 3 on WSLS-Roanoke at 5:30).

Video Story From WSLS Roanoke

By Mollie Halpern
Investigative Reporter
Published: September 3, 2008

A perfect fit.

Iraqi refugee Hayder Kharalla says his new prosthetic legs launch him another step forward in his life in America.

Kharalla says, “I’m really happy and so excited I’m out of words to be honest with you because I’ve been waiting for this moment since a long time, and it’s finally come.”

“Virginia Prosthetics’” made it possible for Kharalla to receive both walking *and* running prostheses.

The nearly $40,000 artificial limbs are made with the latest technology, unlike Kharalla’s old one which caused him great pain.

Kharallalost his leg while trying to save a U.S. Sergeant from crossfire.

At the time, he was an interpreter for U.S. troops in Baghdad.

Becky Stewart saw Kharalla’s story on “WSLS 10 On Your Side,” and it moved her so much that she asked her bosses if they could help.

Stewart told us, “I know what these guys can do for patients, and I knew if I could get it ok’d, they could get him where he needed to be.”

Hayder will need physical therapy to get used to his running leg. Lucas Therapies in Roanoke will provide Kharalla the physical therapy he needs, at no charge. Once Hayder gets his gait, he’ll organize a community run that will benefit the children of fallen U.S. soldiers.

That includes the U.S. sergeant Kharalla tried to save, who left behind a family.

“We laughed together, we sing together, and sometimes we cry together. So it’s a family to me they were like brothers,” says Kharalla.

Kharalla says he’s happy to call America home and is grateful for his new American friends, like Stewart.

A symbol of his patriotism proudly worn on his new limbs. A part of him, with every step he takes.

We will continue to follow Kharalla’s story, and when he organizes the charity run, we’ll be sure to pass that information on to you.