Plymouth, N.H. – A Plymouth State alumnus who co-authored a fascinating biography describing an Afghan native’s experience with Hollywood and the U.S. military is being considered for a national award. Fahim Speaks: A Warrior- Actor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Backis co-authored by PSU alum Michael Moffett, and is one of six nominees for top honors in the biography genre by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA).
Left to right, U.S. Marine Lt. Colonel Mike Moffett, a Groveton, N.H. native and Plymouth State alumnus, with Fahim Fazli in Afghanistan.
The awards ceremony will be held in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday, September 29.
Fahim Speaks was nominated by MWSA reviewer Hodge Wood, who in a June book review stated that the book combines Fahim Fazli’s “unique American experience with his native Afghan roots, resulting in a tasteful reader’s concoction. He made me feel good about American society, our devotion to Afghanistan, and for the Good Warrior that never gives up or goes bad … Fahim Speaks gets my highest recommendation – it’s a must read. What a TRULY AMERICAN story of perseverance and service!”
A native Afghan who escaped the chaos of his homeland in 1983, Fahim Fazli eventually made his way to California, assimilated into American society, and became a citizen. Eventually he also became a Hollywood actor and a member of the Screen Actors Guild, with numerous movie and television credits on his resume. In 2009, at age 43, Fazli opted to leave the comfort of southern California to serve as a translator for a Marine Corps infantry battalion in Afghanistan’s volatile Helmand Province. Fazli enjoyed spectacular success serving as a bridge between American and Afghan cultures, and won plaudits from USMC leaders from every level – as well as the enmity of the Taliban, who put a price on his head.
A native of Groveton, N.H., Moffett graduated from Plymouth State in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, and later earned a master’s in Education in 1989. Moffett also spent seven years as PSC’s Sports Information Director before being elected to the university Alumni Board of Directors, for which he served as Vice President. Presently a professor at NHTI-Concord, Moffett is also an adjunct faculty member for PSU’s graduate program in Athletic Administration.
Moffett was doing a special USMC assignment in Afghanistan as a reserve Lieutenant Colonel when he met Fazli in the crossroads town of Delaram in 2010; the two stayed in touch and collaborated on Fahim Speaks, eventually completing it a year later. The book was published by Warriors Publishing Group in March, 2012.
The book features a cover endorsement from veteran Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, who starred in the movie Charlie Wilson’s War, a story of America’s involvement in Afghanistan, for which Fazli served as cultural advisor. Moffett is looking forward to attending the event in Dayton.
“It’s been very rewarding to see Fahim Speaks receive the critical acclaim that it has,” said Moffett. “I always thought Fahim’s journey was extraordinarily inspirational and consequential, and it’s gratifying that so many who have read the book agree.”
Fahim Speaks is available via Amazon.com and detailed information about the project is also available at www.fahimspeaks.com.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu
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