Notebook
- Description
- Small handheld notebook containing field notes handwritten by Naveed Shah, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Army. The notebook has a black paper cover and spiral binding at the top. The interior pages are lined and contain handwritten notes and observations.
- Historical Notes
At his middle school near the Pentagon on 9/11, Naveed Shah witnessed classmates fearing for the safety of family members working there. As a Muslim immigrant, Shah believed that the terrorists had “perverted my religion” and recalled feeling that Muslims in his community were perceived as "the bad guy[s].” These feelings prompted a decision. “As soon as I was old enough,” he said, “I knew that I wanted to go serve my country.” He served in the U.S. Army for four years.
Shah served on active duty from 2006 to 2010 as a public affairs specialist, including a yearlong deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His duties included reporting from the front lines. His field notes, written in this notebook, were later published in the Expeditionary Times, a newspaper for service members.
After his service, Naveed Shah struggled to access veteran benefits. Seeing others face similar challenges, he became involved with groups that lobby for increased veterans' benefits and improved access to those benefits.
- Accession Number: IL.2025.3.1
- Dimensions: 6 1/4 in X 4 1/16 in X 8/16 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 15.24 cm X 10.16 cm X 20.32 cm
- Credit Line: Courtesy of Naveed Shah
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