Page 20 - The Dispatch May 2019

as an American, and an understanding of what the allies in
the countries that the U.S. is at war with have to sacrifice
for a better life.

“I think Khairi’s story brings to the Texas National Guard a
sense of understanding of the other side of the conflicts
that are happening in the Middle East,” Celaya said. “We
are born here understanding that you are free and have
these rights but you don’t know what it is like to fight for
and appreciate them. For someone to live there, put him-
self in harm’s way, fight for us, then come back, enlist and
fight for America, it gives you a better sense of respect and
that these freedoms should not be taken lightly at all.”
Spc. Hussein Khairi stands with his wife, Otoor, in their living
room, Feb. 25, 2019. Khairi accredits much of his success to Otoor The freedoms that Khairi has fought for are the reason he
and the sacrifices that she has made for their family. Before be- never passes up an opportunity.
coming a citizen and enlisting in the Texas (Courtesy Photo)
“A couple of reasons give me this drive,” Khairi said. “Com-
For Khairi, his participation in the event is just another ing from a country that doesn’t offer that many opportuni-
challenge and opportunity to test his limits. ties and you have to fight really hard to get into something
that you like. In fact, sometimes you have to fight really
“I always like to get out of my comfort zone, try new things hard to get into something that you don’t even like, but
and test my ability of reaching a new goal,” Khairi said. you just want to get a job and to be able to feed your fami-
“It’s not necessary for me to win the best warrior-- com- ly. Then I came to a country that is full of opportunities. All
pletion will be a win for me." you have to do is keep on trying.”

At the competition, Khairi, once again was competing Khairi had to make time for training while maintaining his
against and working with Soldiers and Airmen half his age. full-time job on the Counter Drug Task Force, fulfilling his
, But he would not be alone as he struggled to be named monthly drills with his unit, maintaining a family of six and
the best warrior in Texas. Sgt. Kristopher Celaya, would studying for his criminal justice degree at Austin Commu-
serve as his sponsor. nity College.

“One thing that I kept reminding him of, was that he was “Finding the time is the most difficult thing, especially
physically out there competing with people who were 15 when you have a house of my size, two adults and four
years younger than he was,” said Celaya, “I think it says a kids,” Khairi said. “Regardless of how many things that you
lot about an individual to be able to physically outperform have on your plate, you can still manage if you do time
or match people who should be in better shape than you." management well.”

Celaya learned a lot about Khairi and the Muslim culture Khairi accredits much of his success to his wife, Otoor, and
during their monthly trainings for the state competition. her unwavering support and sacrifice for him and his fam-
ily.
“He would take me to different Middle Eastern restau-
rants in the Austin area and to the San Antonio area and Khairi and Otoor both graduated college and received
I learned about his background and history,” Celaya said. degrees in Iraq that do not transfer to the United States.
“It was eye-opening to know that he had a very extensive When the couple made the decision to move to the U.S.,
background even before enlisting.” Otoor had to leave behind her family and her job.

Meeting Khairi left an impact on Celaya, who said that he “It was her who lost everything and sacrificed everything
now feels more appreciative of the freedoms that he has for me,” Khairi said. “I had always worked with U.S. troops
and was familiar with the language and culture. For her it
was all new, so she did not speak English as well as now.
OUR FORCE going after a bachelor’s degree. She left all of that for me
She left a really good job with the Ministry of Oil, and was
so I appreciate it.”

FEATURE STORIES ON TEXAS GUARD MEMBERS