There’s always a reason to celebrate when good triumphs over hardship. Graham Pulliam from Southern California and Esmatullah Sharif from Afghanistan both served their countries honorably during America’s longest war in Afghanistan. Sharif served in the Afghan National Army for 12 years before moving on to work for the U.S. Department of State in 2014. Pulliam was deployed to Afghanistan twice between 2009 and 2012, first as a U.S. Marine Corps Captain working closely with Afghan Army units and later as a company commander for the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
Although they didn’t serve together, Sharif now works as the warehouse manager at Paul Davis Restoration in Pasadena, California, which opened in a renovated punk rock venue and is owned by Pulliam. Sharif and his family are adjusting to their new life, with his wife and eldest daughter attending ESL classes, and his son playing soccer. At work, Sharif is known for always having hot chai tea at the ready for any team member.
Their journey from Afghanistan to their new life in Southern California wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the local community, including Pulliam and many others who welcomed Afghan refugees. This spirit of kindness comes alive as the country honors its veterans and active military personnel.
Paul Davis Restoration, known for their work in restoring properties damaged by disasters, involves themselves in philanthropy as well. In April, when the International Institute of Los Angeles was looking for volunteers to help Afghan refugees, Pulliam’s church, Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena, formed a volunteer group called “Melgari,” which means “friend” in Pashto, to support them. Pulliam eagerly participated, bringing together his personal experience in Afghanistan and his shared values with Sharif.
Pulliam served for seven years in the elite units of the U.S. Marine Corps before embarking on a new journey as a business owner. After evaluating various opportunities, he chose to join Paul Davis because their values of honor, courage, and commitment matched his own. Alongside his business expertise, having grown up around construction due to his father’s influence as an architect, Pulliam has successfully transitioned into franchise ownership.
Perhaps Pulliam’s most meaningful success is the support he has provided for the Sharif family. After the Afghan National Army, Sharif worked for the U.S. Department of State until the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. Fortunately, he and his family were among those evacuated during Operation Allies Refuge, eventually settling in Temple City, California.
Pulliam, along with his church group “Melgari,” helped the Sharif family settle into their new life, assisting them with Temporary Protected Status applications and essentials for living in the U.S. By July 13, 2022, Sharif became the Warehouse Manager at Paul Davis Restoration in Pasadena, and his two eldest sons found jobs too. This heartfelt story demonstrates the strength of community bonds and how life’s unexpected paths can lead to supportive and enduring relationships.
