How ridiculous and embarrassing this is for our country. This man should get the help he deserves, the respect he earned, and is entitled to decency as a human being. Is there any type of fund or relief effort for him?

I'm sorry to hear how you have been treated! I have not had the same level of trials as you, but I can attest that Utah is highly over rated as to the friendliness of the people. Even though I am LDS, my best friends are non-mormons. There is just something about the cliqueshness, clannishness, and exclusionary nature of the culture.

Thanks for all the work you did in helping our troops get the job done in your home country and especially the risks you took to get it done. If we had known your story when you had arrived in Utah, some of us would have be there however, like our soldiers who are also returning, we don't know until the late night news most times of their arrival and by then it's too late. Maybe it's a security issue. I'm not sure.

Keep up your spirits and don't let your situation hold you back. You've been through hard times before, you can make it through these hard times again.

This poor bugger, surely if he has gone to Salt Lake City you would think the LDS church would pitch in and give this guy a helping hand instead of the Catholic's, especially if the Goverment wont help.

Let's help take care of this guy. He also is a hero against terrorism

If he was a war protester, there would be dozens of T.V. cameras and reporters there. He would have received a heroes welcome if he had said negative things about the war in Iraq. As it is, the news media and the Democratic partly does not want to hear anything good about the Iraq war! They are invested in our failure in Iraq.

It's time for the U.S. to step up to the plate for people like Diyar. Anyone serving in such a capacity for the U.S. military deserves not only our thanks but "special treatment" when they are injured. Other than our own soldiers, I can think of no one more deserving than someone like him.

As for Lufthansa and their lack of concern for replacing Diyar's wheelchair I have only one word: Scumbags! I often fly overseas and have use them before but if they don't replace his wheelchair and soon, I will no longer book any flights through them.

I'm also going to forward a link to this article to their management. So they can see the bad publicity one little wheelchair is costing them.

Do the right thing Lufthansa and replace the wheelchair now!

I am not an American, I am from Colombia, South America and living in Japan at the moment, I am a member of the LDS church and knowing all the teachings of the church and it's headquarters to be in Salt Lake City I do not understand why haven't the church members there done anything yet.

Heyu maryboy01 perhaps he was sponsored by the Catholics so why involve the mormons. The reality is this has nothing to do with churches but the attitude of central government to non-american allies. Hope it works out for him he deserves all the support he can get for the support he has given to the "free" world.

Get off your own butts and do something for this guy. Your words are hollow, just like many of your convictions. You speak about how much the government or a church or someone else should do something. What's wrong with you doing something?! You all sound like you support the war in Iraq. Now why don't you walk the walk, instead of talking the talk. Start taking responsibility, however small, for some of the "collateral damage" created from this fiasco. And yes, I have been to Iraq and seen for myself, and I am currently overseas trying to remedy some of the damage we have created. You all make me sick. You sit in Utah pretending that the war in Iraq is a nice, patriotic endeavor. Praise be to George Bush and the neocons. Well, here's finally a chance for you to really partake in some of the grit and blood and damage of the war, and you don't have to leave your nice comfortable big homes to do it. Quit mouthing empty platitudes and patriotic slogans. Do something for this guy or shut up.

This man's plight is heartbreaking and hopefully some assistance will be forthcoming.

However I fear his basic premise is flawed and until he gets past that he will have a hard time finding contentment.

It is not a matter of him helping American soldiers and now we owe him a debt of gratitude.

American soldiers are there helping Iraq, and risking their lives in a largely thankless brutal struggle.

Iraq is HIS country.
If Iraq is to be free IRAQIS must take responsibility for their own nation, security and future.
It was IRAQIS who blew his legs off.

Until Iraq and Iraqis see the world that way their future security and prosperity will remain in doubt.

Good grief. Already the LDS church is being blamed, and by its own members! It's every American's duty to assist this man who helped our soldiers. Why do we have to be sent out by any church or organization to step up and do the right thing? Stop commenting and do something!
Thank you Deseret News for shedding light on this man's plea. Now people can act.

Is it possible that the LDS Church and many of its members, who has been tagged in these comments as an offenders because their lack of action, did not know Diyar from Adam? Does the LDS Church keep tabs on everyone coming into Utah? Are they supposed to take care of everyone coming into Utah? I would guarantee that if Diyar contacted the local bishop in the ward where he lives that help would be on the way. But how can there be any help if no one knows about him (until now).
I agree - Diyar is a war hero. He deserves the best this country can offer him. But gives me a break - the LDS Church isn't tagged to take care of everyone, especially if they have no idea about someone's situation. Just grasping at straws...

OK, everyone says we should do something. Let us do something. Deseret News, how about opening a bank account for this man so we can contribute to his getting some of the things he needs and deserves? It sounds like he needs a motorized wheelchair and a doctor to examine and get him new prosthetic limbs he can actually use. If not you, then who will step up? I am not in Utah, I am in Indiana, but I am happy to contribute however I can. Let's have a bias to action for this man, and all those who need our help.

I do not disagree with any part of the article or comments, but wonder where the Iraq government is in all this. After all, he was putting himself on the front line in harms way to liberate and secure the country of Iraq. Shouldn't his own country be treating him as a hero and taking care of all of his needs? From my viewpoint, it is his own country that has let him down and needs to show concern for humanity. Taking things at face value is okay to a point, but there appears to be much more to this story.

Diyar- WELCOME! Thank you for your hard and dangerous work alongside our brave American men and women.

You and your fellow Iraqis know that life can be hard, and that good things sometimes happen slowly.

You and your fellow "terps" deserve great praise for your bravery and hard work. You also deserve far better treatment than you have received so far in America. Our own wounded troops have often not been treated as well as they should have but eventually good people see what is going on and make things better.

Things will get better.

I bet the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs can get you in contact with Iraq war vets who will give you the support you deserve, even though the UDVA may not be able to provide any official support.

Thank you for your service.

An American Veteran of past wars sends.

Okay Utah, Show this fellow what your made of. And you don't have to be a Mormon to be loving and giving.

I do not want to seem cruel but reality is reality.

He was an employee of a military contractor with better insurance than the average Iraqi and better pay as well.

His insurance ran out. He is now on medicaid.
With the help of kind people in this country he will be helped.....funds will be started....heck he might even go to college thanks to private generosity.

Worse case he will end up on disability payments like many citizens and veterans. Perhaps he will go back to Iraq when this whole thing cools off and file for an Iraqi disability check.

I don't understand why anyone would think this man should receive charity from any church. He was injured while working for L3 for the US military, I think L3 and the US military should pay for his continued support. Charity is to help people who are unable to help themselves. Charity should not be an excuse to allow responsible parties out of paying the costs of their actions.

Why does this seem the worst place to have any real and meaningful discussion?

Oh, good grief. *Nobody* gets to demand what others must do for them, and which gifts are not luxurious enough for them. This man will be nothing but trouble. He is Iraqi and was working for the good of Iraq in Iraq, with Americans footing the bill. He was injured by his own people, and his claim is against them, not us.

If he isn't satisfied with yet more American handouts, let him find something better wherever he can. Our own soldiers don't always get what he apparently expects as his due.

Read the very bottom of the article and you can make donations. I just gave $100. I make 40K a year. Stop buying your 44oz Diet Cokes for a month and donate NOW for this guy. Put your money where your mouth is. DON'T PASS THE BUCK!!!

I am LDS and you better believe the LDS church keeps track of everyone, it is a possible baptism dead or alive. In reality the Government needs to be taking care of this man with dignity and a reward for being there and helping the Americans in his homeland that he can no longer call home. Let not him become a lost soul like many of our veterans thanks to our government - use them and throw them away when they are no longer useful. No matter the religion step up to the plate as Americans and show the world we are not all overbearing bullies and selfish money grabbers GOD BLESS THIS IRAQI AND MANY MORE OF THEM

"After being injured working for the Army, Iraqi's life in Salt Lake is a letdown"

What kind of headline is that?

It makes it sound like losing his legs was his high-point and living in Salt Lake is when things went bad for him.

I thought the Deseret News was making an effort of change for the better, and to have quality, fact-driven reporting. Instead, here is an article that makes our community out to be worse than the thoughtful folks that blew off their own countryman's legs.

If greeting this hero at the airport with a fanfare was so important, I want to know why the writer, Elaine Jarvik of the Deseret News, did not use her position to advertise this need before he arrived.

I ache for this man's loss and hope that he receives the best care available. But to use him in such a poorly conceived premise as this to decry the generosity and selflessness of this community and nation is reprehensible.

Carole and Possible: Right on! This is one of the silliest reasons to jump on the Church to come along in a while and the blather from its own memebers and others on the matter reflects extraordinary ignorance.

Hey you boobs. This guy did not act as an interpreter because he loved America or its military. He did it either for his own country or the rewards he hoped for from the U.S. Gov. Now that his problem is known I am sure help is on the way. But is not my resposibilty or any one elses to give hime help. So get off the pitty pot. If you want to help him do it but do not put if off on the rest of us.

I ditto your remarks!! Thanks, you said it beautifully.

Mr. Diyar alBayati; First, God bless you! I ask and
hope that those good souls in Utah will reach out to
you, and help you in making a new life, in a new land.
If there have been errors and weaknesses shown by those around you,I hope you can forgive them, and others will more than make up for your difficulties.
To all those that post here, let's not fight, and argue. Talk to each other, and try to guide this man
to the assistance he needs. I know we can!

This may sound less-warm, but...

Did he sign something as part of his contracted employment regarding an awareness of the risks and what responsibility the company would have if he got injured?

There may be more to the story. Maybe he was compensated very well in wages for his work, knowing that he was taking risks. Perhaps now he wants more benefits to cover for his own risk-taking.

I'd like to believe he was working because of some noble ideals, but that wasn't presented as such in the story.

That said, like any other person, we should try to help out.

I can appreciate the trials and sacrifices this young man has gone through, but reading this article I am extremely frustrated. Lets remember that he received a free pass to the US, medical coverage, room and board, compensation. He has many of the basic human rights people in Iraq and even many Americans don't have. He even has medicaid ... I pay $400 a month for my medical insurance, but I'm not going to complain about it. I'm all about helping those in need, but I would rather help someone who is going to have a small sense of gratitude for what he/she has already been given.

Tell ya what guys..I am a vietnam era veteran that is unemployed due to a job going to Mexico.....40% of our manufacturing base is gone and what is left is full of illegals in this part of the country.

I had a traumatic injury with no health insurance .....do you want me to go on...the Va now charges for health care......can't afford that.

Better yet a job would be nice....multi degreed professional..

If anyone has any money send it. I will find some way to get you my address.

By the way.....a lot of veterans are in this situation.... American Veterans

When did this become the Mormon Church's responsibility?

I had never heard of this guy until I read the article on the web today. I think that the U.S. Army needs to take care of this guy as he was injured in their service. L3 ought to also be taking care of him. They ought to do the moral and ethical thing and take care of this brave man. He deserves it.

If I knew where to send some money, I'd help out where I could also.

How about more calls and letters to the airline that damaged the wheelchair and to L3. Surely L3 has something called Workers Comp.

I am a American Viet Nam Veteran, don't bet on the Department of Veteran Affairs. We were trash who came back in the 1960's from Viet Nam. Looks like it is still a slow Department of VA. I was looking for help then, I was told I was able to pay for a good insurence and come back when I was 65, they may be able to help then.

I am sure with your caring demeanor and personal warmth you are solving so many problems. Thank you for your kind and generous service.

He was working for L3 helping the U.S. and Iraq governments; that should be the first place to look for aid. The problem is that there are all those people posting who think a church has an obligation to help everybody. Why do you have to belong to a church or even be religious to help?
Does this man have skills? It would be great if he could get a job or some type of training. Maybe work at D.I.?

As for Lufthansa, their action is reprehensible. There should be no question about them replacing the wheelchair.

"Al-Bayati got a piece of good news on Wednesday, though: Medicaid has agreed to give him a motorized chair. As a refugee he's covered for several months by Medicaid."

What???????? I'm sorry but I have health problems - untreated asthma or emphasima and possible heart problems and I can't get medicaid because I don't have kids in my home. I am sick of seeing people who are refugees and those having anchor babies in this country being given what I am denied. We live on $900 a month and over two thirds go to our household bills. My husband who is disabled does qualify for medicaid but I don't. No money for me to see a doctor.

I know why I can't get a job it's because by the time I get to the human resources office I am struggling to breathe.

Use the funds to get him a new chair and hopefully with what is left over he can make a new life for himself in his country but this government is only responsible to a point and that point does not include medicaid when it has limits on what they give those who were born here.

We all, even the young man in the story, have a great deal to be grateful for.
Gratitude is a first step to life looking up.

I wonder why he chose to come to SLC? Was he banking on the generosity of Utahns? Sorry, but if you don't like the safe, family oriented, reasonably priced Utah, send him here to LA where he can get in line for "benefits" and be ignored with the rest of us injured Army contractors.

I get so tired of these bleeding heart stories by the DN. It's usually a story about illegal aliens and how hard their lives are here. Give me a break.

We need to take care of our own!!

Why did he come to Utah???? I'm sure SOMEBODY knew he was coming and could have greeted him at the airport, Right?

Diyar,
I'm not a person that usually makes comments but I just want to say Thank you for all that you have done for US. I know that by helping our solders communicate you have helped them their lives as well as others.

Thanks you so much!

Salt Lake City is a refugee accepting city. When refugees come to the states it is one of the places they can go. There are refugees from all over the world living in our city. If you want to see the diversity of the refugees, go to Highland High School. It is the ESL magnet school for Salt Lake, so most of them or their children end up there to learn english. It is estimated that there are 30+ languages spoken at Highland.

We should not point fingers at anyone. Instead we should work together to make our community better for everyone that is a part of it. We all have a responsibility for those around us. Too many of us are quick to place blame and slow to make a positive difference with our actions. We don't have to do something large, but we can find ways to reach out and serve those around us.

I hear so many complaints about this young man not showing gratitude. Yet how many of us will show this man our gratitude for helping our troops in Iraq as an interpreter and putting his own life at risk.

If you want anyone to show you gratitude you have to show gratitude yourself. So how about we try being grateful for this young man and show him our gratitude.

Perhaps some have lost sight of who is helping whom in Iraq.
Who is showing gratitude to our troops for dying to liberate and keep Iraq safe?
Sure, it is really decent for a few Iraqis to (in exchange for great pay) help our soldiers protect THEM.
Perhaps this man's own countrymen would be in a position to shower him with gratitude, along with the grateful citizens of the US.

The catholic church obviously are the ones who brought him here. They are the ones who have dropped the ball. I imagine the LDS church have never even been contacted to help him. Perhaps that will change with this story. You have to first be aware of the need before you can help.

GET GEPHART!!! HE GETS THE JOB DONE. 1ST HE WILL TAKE ON THE AIRLINES. THEN THE LEG, THEN THE COMPLAINTS...HE REALLY WOULD BE GOOD FOR THIS.

Don't forget to vote for John McBush so we can have a steady supply of refugees for years to come!

if you'll review your history you'll remember (or learn) that the SE Asian boat people were a product of the Democratic Congress' pulling the plug on Vietnam.

wars you win don't produce refugees.

cutting and running opens the floodgates of refugees.