Basking Ridge Native, Veteran Is Helping Translators Come To The U.S.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — James Miervaldis, formerly of Basking Ridge, served as an Army Reservist for four years. He was deployed to Iraq in 2008 to 2009 and Afghanistan in 2011 to 2012.

During his time serving, Miervaldis had help from a translator. The relationship he had with the translator was crucial.

“They are crucial,” Miervaldis said of the translators. “They are the eyes, ears and heart of the community. They are like a bridge between our unit and the community. You can translate with an iPhone but with the translators, they see things, hear things. They are an integral part.”

While serving overseas, the VFW Post 7858 in Bernardsville adopted Miervaldis and would send candy, which he then used to make relationships with the Afghans.

“Offering the candy to them showed respect and honor,” Miervaldis said.

Once a relationship was forged the translators would help the units in exchange for a promise to be able to come live in the United States.

However, it can take years and a lot of political work to get them safely over here. To help the translators, Miervaldis now works with No One Left Behind, a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to saving the lives of America’s Wartime Allies and their families who have saved the lives of thousands of Americans in service to our country.

Miervaldis is rallying on behalf of the organization to help more translators find safe travel and get on their feet here. He is hoping to gain awareness for this organization and donations to help with the translators financial, legal, and housing assistance.

To learn more about No One Left Behind or to donate visit www.nooneleft.org.

(Images via James Miervaldis)

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