‘He had to struggle to keep it together’: Wounded warrior describes moving encounter with Iraqi cab driver

ICYMI Iraq War Veteran @jrsalzman told a touching story about a cab ride in Dallas last night: http://t.co/kdQrspxYQW

— AG (@AG_Conservative) January 9, 2014

I just flew to Dallas, Texas for business reasons. When my hotel shuttle failed to pick me up due to my delayed flight, I had to get a cab.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

My cab driver spoke broken English, like most I've had around the country. After figuring out my hotel address, we were on our way.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

My conversation with my cab driver hit all the usual points. How cold it is in the Midwest, changes in weather, and the Texas summer heat.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

Eventually my cabdriver asked about my missing arm. I told him I lost it in Iraq. He asked which city, and how I lost it. I said Baghdad.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

I told him I was blown up by an Iranian weapons expert, using an Iranian shape charge. He stopped talking after that.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

After a couple minutes of silence, I asked him if he would mind telling me where he was from. He choked out the words, "I'm a Kurd."

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

His voice cracked as he said, I can't look at you and your arm or I will start crying. I am forever grateful for what you have done for us.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

His family fled from Northern Iraq and lived in Iran for 10 years due to the turmoil in the Middle East.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

He said, don't pay attention to what's being said in the media. There is not an Iraqi who's not happy to see Saddam gone.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

He then went on to elaborate on all of those who had been killed by Saddam. Siblings, cousins, even the dog.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

He kept reiterating how grateful he was for those who sacrificed to get rid of Saddam as he tried to keep it together and not cry.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

I asked if he has been back to Iraq since, and he said yes. The Kurds in Northern Iraq are prospering now that Saddam is gone.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

Eventually he turned and said, this cab ride is free. And I want to pay for your hotel room. I am so grateful for what you've done.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

I insisted on paying for my cab, and he refused. I made up an excuse about my hotel room bill so he wouldn't pay for it.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

After a lot of banter, I conceded to the free cab ride, but I was going to pay for my own hotel room, despite his insistence.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

I asked if he plans on returning to Iraq, and he said he would if he did not have children in the American school system.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

The whole time he had to struggle to keep it together and not break down crying when he saw my arm and heard of my sacrifice.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

Eventually we pulled up to my hotel, and I insisted one last time that I pay for my own hotel because I was here on business.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

For those doubting the authenticity of my story, his name is Sibari Diwali. I plan on following up with him to write something, anything.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014

As surprised as I was by tonight's events, it simply reaffirmed what I already learned during my service in Iraq. Iraqis are grateful.

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) January 9, 2014