The Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in Military (APAAM), was created shortly after September 11th, 2001, in an effort to organize current and former Arab-Americans in the military. There are approximately 3,500 Arab- Americans serving in our Armed Forces. Based on the fact that there are no other formal organizations representing Arab- Americans in the military, APAAM has the distinction of being the first official organization for Arab- Americans in the Military. The objectives of APAAM include: 1. Build a contact list of all military members, past and present. 2. Establish a solid foundations that speaks with one "Arab American Military" voice. 3. Educate our fellow American and Arab communities of our dual patriotism to our ancestral heritage, coupled by our burning dedication to this country, by emphasizing our service and sacrifice as military service men and women. 4. To ultimately close the gap that lies between bigotry, ignorance and prejudice on one end, and tolerance on the other. APAAM was founded by U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Jamal S. Baadani. His father left a life of politics in Yemen to pursue a life of freedom here in the United States. Jamal immigrated to the United States from Egypt at the age of 10. He joined the US Marine Corps at the age of 17 - where he ultimately founded APAAM as a non-political association to represent Arab Americans in the Military - and to highlight military service and sacrifice - of Arab Americans. September 11th, 2001 was a horrific event that touched all Americans. Due to the backlash against Arab Americans and the backlash directed towards his family, Jamal decided to establish APAAM in order to make a difference in Arab American Communities nationwide. As American Service Men and Women, they have taken the oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic. They are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the protection of freedom for all Americans.
