Shant Kenderian

Shant Kenderian is an Armenian Christian born in Iraq who moved to Chicago with his mother after his parents divorced.

He visited Iraq in 1980 to reconcile with his father but was trapped there when Saddam Hussein closed the borders.

Forced to serve in the Iraqi military during the Iran-Iraq War and Gulf War, Kenderian eventually surrendered to American forces.

Despite being initially considered a spy, he was able to return to the United States.

Kenderian's incredible story has been featured on "This American Life" and in his book.

He later obtained a Ph.D. and now works as a career mentor, sharing his experiences of survival and hope.