Bridging Worlds: The Journey from Iraq to the U.S. Military
How Mazin Mozan turned hardship into an opportunity to serve and inspire across borders.
This interview with Mazin Mozan was made possible through The Debrief Project. If you want to see more interviews like this one, please check out their Youtube.
Introduction: My name is Mazin Mozan. I’m currently a captain in the Army Reserves, and I’ve been in the service for nearly 15 years. I live in Austin, Texas. My background hasn’t been linear, to say the least. I was born and raised in Iraq, where I completed my education and graduated as a veterinarian. Around the time of the 2003 Iraq War, I started leveraging my English skills and education to help the troops. I worked as an interpreter for several years before transitioning to the U.S. and continuing my journey here.
Let’s start at the beginning. What was it like growing up in Iraq?
Mazin: Growing up in Iraq, especially under Saddam Hussein’s regime, was challenging. Fear was constant, and there were significant restrictions on freedom of speech and other rights. We were isolated from the rest of the world and had limited access to information or entertainment. Poverty was widespread, and there was no real middle class—you were either part of the regime and wealthy, or you were struggling to survive.
Despite these challenges, my family valued education. I stayed in school as long as possible to avoid conscription into Saddam’s army. Thankfully, by the time he was removed from power, I didn’t have to face that reality.
What was it like when Saddam was finally removed from power? What was the general reaction?
Mazin: The general reaction was one of happiness and relief. People welcomed the troops with open arms because they were ready for change, though there was fear about what that change might bring. Reflecting on the Gulf War and the U.S. withdrawal after Desert Storm, people remembered how those who had supported the coalition forces were executed, along with their families. That history made many hesitant to fully commit to the movement in 2003.
Nevertheless, there was an overall sense of hope. Baghdad fell quickly, almost without resistance, but there was lingering disbelief that Saddam was truly gone after ruling so brutally for 37 years. It took time for people to accept that as reality.
What was your impression of the U.S. during Saddam’s regime, and did that change after his removal?
Mazin: It depended on who you asked and where they were from, but for people like me, who grew up in urban areas and were educated, the impression of the U.S. was generally positive. We saw the U.S. as a symbol of freedom and rights, something entirely different from Saddam’s rule.
After the invasion, people’s opinions varied. Some mixed their views of U.S. society with their opinions on politics or combat operations. But overall, especially in the early years of the war, there was a genuine appreciation for the U.S. and its role in liberating the country.
How did you become an interpreter for the U.S. military?
Mazin: It came from a desire to fill a need. I spoke English, had a passion for it, and wanted to help. When the troops arrived, they didn’t have enough interpreters and often relied on locals with basic English skills. Miscommunications led to tragic mistakes—innocent people being arrested or shot. The troops were relying on us for the most part, but it also led to a lot of miscommunications, and unfortunately, people were shot or arrested for the wrong reasons because they didn't communicate correctly with the troops. I started informally helping soldiers and realized I could serve in a bigger capacity. Money was a factor, of course, but it wasn’t the main driver. I had the chance to make a meaningful impact, and as I got more involved, I became increasingly committed to the mission.
Do you have any memorable stories from your time as an interpreter?
Mazin: There are many stories—both positive and heartbreaking. One thing I want to highlight is how critical interpreters were to the mission. We bridged the gap between the troops and the local population, often at great personal risk.
Our families were targeted by insurgents because they knew that eliminating interpreters could disrupt military operations. Even the simplest tasks, like traveling to and from work, were dangerous. I came close to being captured several times, and I lost friends and loved ones along the way. Despite the risks, we believed in the cause and the impact we were making.
After leaving Iraq, where did you go?
Mazin: I relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, with the help of soldiers I had worked with. They assisted me with my visa application under the Special Immigrant Visa program. It was a long process, but their support made it possible.
After arriving in the U.S., I worked another language job and eventually joined the Army in 2009.
What was it like adjusting to life in the U.S.?
Mazin: It was harder than I expected. Although I spoke English, I wasn’t familiar with everyday life in America—the culture, traditions, and way of interacting with people. It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve always been open-minded and eager to learn.
The biggest difference was the sheer number of opportunities available here. In Iraq, we had so few options, and coming to a place where you could truly shape your own future was overwhelming but empowering.
What’s one message you’d like to share with readers?
Mazin: Be grateful for what you have and remember that it didn’t come without sacrifice. Many Americans never experience life outside the U.S. or understand the struggles others face.
Freedom and opportunity are precious, and we should appreciate them, not take them for granted. I will never forget my first time seeing an American helicopter in 2003. My eyes were teary. I was crying of happiness, and I was not alone. Millions of Iraqis shared the same feeling. That's the view we had about America.
At the same time, we need to remain open-minded. People around the world may live differently, but that doesn’t make them wrong—it makes them human, just like us.