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Abdullah Sharif, an aviation engineer for over three decades, spent the past five years helping to
rebuild his homeland of Afghanistan. He served as a peace diplomat on behalf of the United
States State Department and Department of Defense, receiving numerous awards for his service.
He wrote about the early years of his return to Kabul, where he last lived and visited 31 years
ago, in an inspirational memoir, Sardar: From Afghanistan’s Golden Age to Carnage.
Sharif was born and raised in Afghanistan until he left in 1976 as a young student for France. He
wouldn’t return until more than 30 years later. His father had served as a deputy commander of
Afghanistan’s Royal Guard, stationed at the Royal Palace in Kabul.
Sharif, who helped build bridges between Afghans and Americans, worked closely with
Kandahar Governor, Tooryalai Wesa. He was given the US Dept. of State Superior Honor Award
for “extraordinary contribution in the US effort to bring peace and prosperity to the people of
Afghanistan.” He also earned the department’s Expeditionary Service Award “in grateful
recognition of committed service in reconstruction, stability and peace in Afghanistan.” The US
Dept. of Defense’s Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award was also bestowed upon him. He
was given the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for service to the International Security and
Assistance Force.
Sharif’s career has included working for GE Aircraft Engines as a project engineer, an engineer
for Allison Gas Turbines, a group leader for BMW Rolls-Royce Aero Engines, the director of
technical marketing for Shaw Aero Devices, Inc., the general manager for Dyna-Air Corporation,
and a vice president for Vibro-Meter (formerly Meggitt Avionics). As a consultant he provided
services to the aviation industry to clients that included Europrop International, GE, Shaw Aero,
Rolls-Royce, SNECMA, and ITP.
Sharif earned a Masters of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati
and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of New Haven. He
resides in Naples, Florida. For more information, please consult: www.abdullahsharif.com