Until one day, I was kidnapped by my own father. I was dragged off to Iraq, where I was held captive under Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime.
Overnight, I lost every freedom I had ever known, all the freedoms that you take for granted every day.
I was separated from my mother. I was forced to live in a country where women have no rights. Where speaking freely can cost you your life. Where your future is not your own.
I learned firsthand something most Americans never have to: Freedom is never free.
Even after years of captivity, my mother never stopped fighting to bring me home. With the help of U.S. authorities, I was finally reunited with her in Ohio.
When I returned, I promised myself something:
If I ever had the chance, I would serve the country that saved my life.
After 9/11, the chance rose to prove my promise. I enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in military intelligence, deploying overseas, and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Today, I’m running for Congress because we deserve better than a 40+ year career politician who has lost touch with the people she claims to represent.
Together, we can aim higher, demand better, and fight for the freedoms that make America exceptional.
With gratitude,
Alea Nadeem
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserve
Republican Candidate for Congress (OH-09)
A NOTE FROM ALEA NADEEM
I love America — not just because I was born here, but because I know what it’s like to live without freedom.
When I was only 8 years old, I was taken from my home in Ohio and left behind in Iraq to live under Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime.
Overnight, I lost the freedoms so many of us take for granted and was forced to live in a country where women had no rights, speaking out could cost you your life, and your future was not your own.
When I finally made it back to America at 12 years old, I promised myself I would give back to the country that never stopped fighting for me. That’s why, after 9/11, I joined the Air Force.
For over 20 years, I have served this country in the Air Force and rose to become a lieutenant colonel. I protected America’s interests abroad, advised senior military leaders, and defended the freedoms too many take for granted.
