Founder & Owner of Rakkasan Security LLC | Former U.S. Military Combat Interpreter | Author | Multilingual Professional | Community Advocate

Nasrallah “John” Safi is an Afghan American author, entrepreneur, former U.S. military combat interpreter, cultural advisor, and dedicated advocate for veterans, refugees, and underserved communities. His extraordinary journey from growing up under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to serving alongside U.S. forces, building a security company, and supporting vulnerable populations in the United States is a story of courage, perseverance, and service.

Born and raised in Afghanistan during one of the country’s most difficult periods, Safi experienced firsthand the devastating impact of extremism and the loss of educational opportunities. Despite widespread school closures under the Taliban, he remained determined to pursue education. Through a combination of Madrassas and homeschooling, he continued learning while holding onto his childhood dream of becoming a medical professional a dream inspired by his mother’s chronic illness and his desire to help others. Following the events of 2001 and the arrival of the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan, Safi’s life took a defining turn. At only 15 years old, he began serving as a U.S. military combat interpreter and cultural advisor, using his language skills and cultural knowledge to support American service members and coalition partners during some of the most dangerous missions of the Afghanistan War.

For nearly a decade, Safi stood alongside U.S. forces in combat environments, including missions in Eastern Afghanistan. His service came with tremendous personal sacrifice. He was wounded by enemy fire after being shot in his right arm while supporting U.S. forces during a dangerous operation. The scar he carries today serves as a permanent reminder of his commitment, sacrifice, and the bond he developed with American soldiers and fellow Afghan allies. He also lost family members who were brutally killed. After immigrating to the United States, Safi continued his mission of service through language access, humanitarian work, and community leadership. He is a multilingual professional fluent in English, Pashto, Dari, Persian, Arabic, and Urdu. He is a certified medical interpreter and court interpreter, helping bridge communication gaps and ensuring individuals receive fair access to healthcare, legal services, and essential resources.

Safi is the Founder and Owner of Rakkasan Security LLC, a security company built on the values of integrity, professionalism, cultural awareness, and service. Drawing from his years of experience working alongside military personnel and government organizations, he brings unique frontline experience, leadership, and operational understanding to the security field. He is also a published author of three books:

Get the Terp Up Here!   A firsthand account of his experiences as a combat interpreter supporting U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Indispensable   A story highlighting the sacrifices, challenges, and contributions of military interpreters.

A Thousand Miles to Freedom: An Afghan Girl’s Journey from Afghanistan to Europe   A powerful story of resilience, displacement, and the pursuit of a better future.
Beyond his work in security and writing, Safi serves as an Employment Coordinator and Case Manager with a refugee resettlement organization in the Pacific Northwest, helping newly arrived families rebuild their lives through employment, education, healthcare access, and community integration. As a Community Health Worker (CHW), he continues advocating for individuals who face barriers navigating healthcare and social systems. Driven by the same passion that guided him as a young boy in Afghanistan, Safi continues pursuing his goal of entering the healthcare profession and becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). His commitment to medicine reflects a lifelong desire to heal, serve, and improve the lives of others.

Nasrallah John Safi’s journey represents the power of education, resilience, and service. From the battlefields of Afghanistan to the communities of the Pacific Northwest, he continues to dedicate his life to protecting others, telling untold stories, and creating opportunities for those in need.