Jabeen is a Chaplin for the US Air Force or as she puts it:

“In Arabic the word is Imam for both men and women. But, Imama is only for women. So, I will take what is more specific for me.”

Similar to the Afghan refugees in New Mexico, she came to America for a better future. She was an international student for a decade.

“It was then that I knew America was at home. I will do whatever it takes to be a citizen,” Jabeen said.

She joined the military and is now the first and only Imam in the entire United States Department of Defense.

“At the end of the day, when I think of putting all the pressure, negativity, or self-doubt and everything aside. My whole life has been the way my mom teaches us, it’s: it’s as God governs it for you and that’s where I’m supposed to be. “

She was called in to be a cultural advisor at Holloman.

“A lot of times I feel like I just don’t fit in, English is not my first language, I’m the eccentric. But, guess what? It’s because of these things, I’m able to serve better. I’m – I’m a bridge between two of these different communities. “

She said she sees the growth of the people she helps.

“Just by seeing women, children and even older women realize what their power is. And they can actually dream. Dreaming doesn’t happen – if you ask me to dream, it won’t happen. The dream does. product from the inside out. You want to be able to let go – if you’re uncomfortable and don’t feel safe, you won’t let go, ”Jabeen said.

Lead – by example.

“And young girls dreaming of being in the army and pointing fingers at the security forces and saying ‘this is how I want to be’, that’s pretty solid. And you can do it every day – I think I wouldn’t have done it any other way. “