"I'm an Army veteran," he said. "But you don't have to be one to understand and appreciate what this guy has done for us and our guys. I'm bothered no one knew a whole lot sooner."

Morad was forced to leave his three other daughters and home in Nasiriyah, Iraq. To stay would mean certain death, Morad said. His choice to support the United States was no secret among terrorists who would kill him today for collaborating with the U.S. Army.

When Brandon Knotts, a former Marine Corps officer, heard of Morad's "mistreatment," he said he was "frankly hurt and stunned. This man deserves so much more than we've given him."

Knotts joined with Hitz in pleading with the public to come forth and show their appreciation for the Iraqi interpreter turned refugee.

Knotts and Hitz met with Morad Wednesday to give him Spitzer's contribution and to go over things his family would need until he finds a more sustainable income.

When Hitz handed over an envelope with the $2,000, before even touching the small stack, he broke into tears, kissed her cheek and repeatedly cried, "Thank you."

He also repeatedly told Knotts and Hitz of his gratitude for local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for visiting him and his family.

"It does good for my heart," he said. "God choose for me this city, and their God is not different than my God."

Knotts and Hitz are pleading with Utah residents to "welcome the American hero" by making donations.

How to help:

An account has been set up at Zions Bank in Morad's tribal name, Rabeh Al Khafagi. Gift cards from Albertsons, Harmons or Wal-Mart — stores close enough to Morad's home he can reach them by his motorized wheelchair — would be helpful. Gift cards, checks or other donations can be sent to Carla Hitz at 141 E. 5600 South, suite 302, Murray, UT, 84107. Hitz can also be reached at helping.rabeh@gmail.com.

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E-mail: jhancock@desnews.com