U.S. Army Cav Scout and Pilot, Zahraa Leonhardt: Escape from Iraq

Description

In this episode, Zahraa shares her harrowing journey growing up in a strict village in Iraq, her decision to flee at 19, and a violent attack that led to an unexpected rescue by American soldiers at Baghdad International Airport. She explains how faith and chance carried her through, her arrival in the United States, learning English, pursuing engineering studies, and ultimately joining the U.S. Army where she rose through the ranks as an enlisted cavalry scout and now as an officer in flight school who found purpose serving others. Zahraa reflects on gratitude, the people who helped her, the losses that motivate her, and her commitment to inspire and protect other women and girls facing similar dangers. She is a proud American and also shares how fortunate Americans are to live in this country. _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #fromiraqtofreedom #iraq #gwot #escapefromiraq #zahraaleondhardt #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary Guest Links: https://www.instagram.com/zahraaleondhardt For sales or sponsorship contact info@mentorsformilitary.com 00:00 Intro 05:54 Growing Up in Iraq 10:44 Reactions to 9/11 from Iraq 18:07 The Struggle for Freedom 18:40 The Decision to Escape & the Plan 30:24 A Dangerous Arrival 33:58 A Dark Experience 37:24 A Shocking Rescue 49:43 A New Beginning 52:18 Reflections on the Journey 54:47 Cover Blown 56:31 A Journey of Faith 1:01:08 Evacuated to Safety 1:08:30 Remembering those Lost and Left 1:12:08 A New Life in America 1:21:10 Pursuing Dreams 1:33:03 From Soldier to Leader 1:46:03 The Imp