From Kabul to Chattanooga — The Rise of an Afghan American Hero

At the Afghan American Veterans Alliance (AAVA), we are honored to share the incredible journey of Sultan Shinwaray, a shining example of resilience, talent, and determination. His story reflects the best of what happens when courage meets opportunity — and when support from leaders like Lt Col (Ret.) Will Selber helps bridge that gap.

Sultan Shinwaray is the youngest of five brothers. In 2021, just days after the fall of the Afghan government, Sultan and his family were forced to flee Afghanistan with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They left behind their home, careers, and dreams — not even stopping to grab their passports or unplug their refrigerator. Their arrival in the United States marked the beginning of an uncertain and daunting new life.

But even in that uncertainty, Sultan emerged as a quiet force of strength.

At just 20 years old, he stepped into a role few could handle: helping lead his family through resettlement. His older brother, once a respected officer and the first C-130 pilot in the Afghan Air Force, found himself working a labor-intensive, low-paying job in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While many would struggle under such pressure, Sultan rose to the occasion — becoming both an emotional anchor and a financial supporter for his family.

Sultan’s talent had always been clear. From a young age, he displayed a natural gift for technology. He had been selected through a competitive national scholarship to study computer science at Pune University in India — a prestigious honor. But when his education was cut short by the chaos of war, Sultan did not let that derail his journey.

Once in the U.S., and with guidance and assistance from Lt Col (Ret.) Will Selber — a key figure in Sultan’s relocation and resettlement — Sultan seized every opportunity. Will, the President of AAVA and founder of Grumpy Combat Veterans, played a critical role in ensuring Sultan had a foundation to restart his life. His support and advocacy helped open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

Sultan quickly found work in his field. At Schnellecke Logistics, he was selected as an IT specialist. While his older brother worked in a physically demanding technician role, Sultan remained grounded and supportive — visiting his brother on the shop floor, encouraging him, and offering help.

Within just six months, Sultan was promoted to Senior IT Specialist at HLC IT, a subcontractor for Volkswagen. His intelligence, humility, and work ethic stood out. He earned a reputation for innovation and leadership — not with words, but through consistent, high-quality work.

Today, we are proud to celebrate Sultan’s latest milestone: his appointment as a Network Operations Engineer Onsite at Volkswagen Group of America — one of the most respected companies in the world. This role is more than a job title; it’s a testament to how far he’s come and what is possible with the right mix of resilience and support.

But Sultan’s story doesn’t end with personal success.

He continues to serve as the Social Media Director for both AAVA and Grumpy Combat Veteran, using his skills to uplift the veteran and Afghan communities. He volunteers his evenings to help small businesses and nonprofit causes, never forgetting where he came from — and who helped him along the way.

Sultan Shinwaray’s journey is not just his own. It’s a reflection of what our alliance stands for — the power of community, the importance of advocacy, and the belief that every newcomer deserves the chance to succeed. With leaders like Lt Col (Ret.) Will Selber making that possible, stories like Sultan’s are just the beginning.

From a war-torn country to a prestigious engineering role in America, Sultan is proof that heroes don’t always wear uniforms. Sometimes, they’re the youngest in the family — quietly carrying the weight of the world, and rising higher than anyone imagined.

Sultan Shinwaray is more than a success story. He is our inspiration.