Tony Messenger
Metro columnist
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Log InSa’ad Hussein came to the United States to escape war.
On Monday, the 27-year-old delivered some of the first doses of vaccine that will help the country escape the grasp of the killer virus that has taken more than 300,000 lives.
It’s an American journey of love nearly five years in the making.
You might have read about Hussein, and his better known best friend, Saadiq Mohammed. They are the subjects of St. Louis native J.R. Biersmith’s documentary, a film about two Somali national soccer players trying to survive in a war-torn country.
Both had been threatened with death. They escaped first to Kenya, and eventually, America, where they ended up in St. Louis living with Biersmith’s sister, Jessica Herschend, and her husband, Jacob. Mohammed enrolled at St. Louis University and played on the college soccer team, though after a coaching change a promised scholarship dried up, so he transferred to Bradley University. He graduated on Saturday. He plans to go to graduate school and maintains an extra year of soccer eligibility at Bradley because of the mostly lost season of 2020.
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Hussein got to work almost the moment he arrived in the U.S., coaching some soccer on the side, as the two men waited for their requests for asylum to be approved. That’s a process that should have taken a couple of months, but instead took years. “I am doing what I have to do to take care of my family and myself,†Hussein says.
in St. Louis helped Hussein get his first job, at a biscuit factory, but he had to ride a bus an hour each way to work. He got a job working at Pi pizza for a while, in the Central West End, but Hussein wanted a career. He decided he wanted to be a trucker.
For Herschend, his American “mother,†there was serendipity in the decision. Her grandfather had been a trucker. Hussein went to driving school, got his commercial driver’s license, and for the past three years has been driving loads from coast to coast.
We talked on the phone after he finished an overnight trucking run. He was in Hebron, Kentucky, the same place where he had picked up one of the first loads of Pfizer vaccine last week to deliver to a warehouse in New York.

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) and Sa'ad Hussein check their sprint times in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis during a soccer practice as they try to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, listens to the instructor in an English language class at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Another immigrant taking the class is San Gurung (in front). Hussein, from Somalia, arrived in the United States last month. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) and Sa'ad Hussein practice soccer in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis after as they try to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) and Sa'ad Hussein congratulate each other in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis after completing a rigorous soccer practice as they try to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein talk while they stretch in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they prepare to practice soccer. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein practices juggling a soccer ball in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein (left) juggles a soccer ball in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, while his friend Saadiq Mohammed watches. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed runs timed distances in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Mohammed and his friend Sa'ad Hussein are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed tries to get the ball past his friend Sa'ad Hussein while they practice soccer in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein stretch in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they prepare to practice soccer. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes • P-D
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein stretch in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they prepare to practice soccer. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein (left) and his friend Saadiq Mohammed prepare to run some timed distances in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein laugh as they challenge each other with soccer penalty kicks in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they practice soccer. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, gets some advice on what to wear to soccer practice from his friend and benefactor, J.R. Biersmith on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Biersmith is a documentary film maker who made a film on Hussein and his friend, Saadiq Mohammed. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein (left) and his friend Saadiq Mohammed leave a soccer practice on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. The two Somalia soccer stars are trying to get back into shape for the sport. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) offers his friend Sa'ad Hussein some workout clothes before the two friends left for soccer practice on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. At right is their friend and benefactor, J.R. Biersmith, who made a documentary film on the Somalians. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, (left) got some workout sweats from his friend and benefactor, J.R. Biersmith, at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Hussein was going to a soccer practice. Biersmith did a documentary film on Hussein and his friend, Saadiq Mohammed. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, waits for a ride after his English language class at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Hussein, from Somalia, arrived in the United States last month. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, (center) listens to the instructor in an English language class at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Other immigrants taking the class are San Gurung (left) and Suk Divali. Hussein, from Somalia, arrived in the United States last month. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com

Saadiq and Sa'ad on the bus
- Courtesy of J.R. Biersmith
Saadiq and Sa'ad traveling with the Somalia national soccer team, which is nicknamed The Ocean Stars. The team has not once qualified for the World Cup, which Biersmith attributes to Somalia's severe instability. Courtesy of J.R. Biersmith
Film maker brings Somali soccer stars to St. Louis
Film director and St. Louis native J.R. Biersmith made a documentary film about two Somali soccer stars - Saadiq Mohammed and Sa'ad Hussein, who are also best friends. Biersmith was able to bring Mohammed to St. Louis a year ago and in March he was able to bring Hussein over to join him. Mohammed is busy taking classes while Hussein is learning English at the International Institute. The two men practice soccer in Forest Park in hopes of making a team soon. Photos by J.B. Forbes
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) and Sa'ad Hussein check their sprint times in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis during a soccer practice as they try to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, listens to the instructor in an English language class at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Another immigrant taking the class is San Gurung (in front). Hussein, from Somalia, arrived in the United States last month. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) and Sa'ad Hussein practice soccer in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis after as they try to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) and Sa'ad Hussein congratulate each other in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis after completing a rigorous soccer practice as they try to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein talk while they stretch in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they prepare to practice soccer. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein practices juggling a soccer ball in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein (left) juggles a soccer ball in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, while his friend Saadiq Mohammed watches. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed runs timed distances in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Mohammed and his friend Sa'ad Hussein are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed tries to get the ball past his friend Sa'ad Hussein while they practice soccer in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein stretch in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they prepare to practice soccer. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes • P-D
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein stretch in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they prepare to practice soccer. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein (left) and his friend Saadiq Mohammed prepare to run some timed distances in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Somalians Saadiq Mohammed (left) and his friend Sa'ad Hussein laugh as they challenge each other with soccer penalty kicks in Forest Park on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis, as they practice soccer. The two Somalians are trying to get back into shape so they can compete on teams in St. Louis. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, gets some advice on what to wear to soccer practice from his friend and benefactor, J.R. Biersmith on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Biersmith is a documentary film maker who made a film on Hussein and his friend, Saadiq Mohammed. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein (left) and his friend Saadiq Mohammed leave a soccer practice on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. The two Somalia soccer stars are trying to get back into shape for the sport. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Saadiq Mohammed (left) offers his friend Sa'ad Hussein some workout clothes before the two friends left for soccer practice on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. At right is their friend and benefactor, J.R. Biersmith, who made a documentary film on the Somalians. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, (left) got some workout sweats from his friend and benefactor, J.R. Biersmith, at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Hussein was going to a soccer practice. Biersmith did a documentary film on Hussein and his friend, Saadiq Mohammed. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, waits for a ride after his English language class at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Hussein, from Somalia, arrived in the United States last month. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Somalia soccer stars come to St. Louis
- J.B. Forbes
Sa'ad Hussein, 23, (center) listens to the instructor in an English language class at the International Institute on April 7, 2016, in St. Louis. Other immigrants taking the class are San Gurung (left) and Suk Divali. Hussein, from Somalia, arrived in the United States last month. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
The gravity of the moment didn’t pass him by. “It’s very important,†Hussein says. “I was worried about it. It’s a big responsibility.â€
He was beaming with pride when he got on FaceTime with Herschend and her family to tell them about his run to New York. Indeed, getting the vaccine — which has very specific refrigeration needs — from point A to point B to be delivered from warehouse to warehouse and warehouse to hospital is a logistical challenge, with drivers like Hussein playing an important but unseen role in bringing an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday in a hospital in Queens, nurse Sandra Lindsay, 52, became to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. She, too, is an immigrant, having grown up in Jamaica. The two immigrants will be tied inexorably to this moment in American history, in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, two representatives of the huddled masses, yearning to breathe.
When he came to the U.S., Hussein was happy just to be alive. He had been whipped and beaten by soldiers connected to the violent al-Shabab terrorist group. After becoming a national hero by scoring the winning goal in his country’s soccer national championship, Hussein was living in squalor in Kenya, hiding from terrorists who had threatened to kill him.
He was a man without a country, which, to some degree, his friend Mohammed still is. Hussein came to the U.S. as a refugee and now has obtained permanent resident status. Mohammed came earlier, seeking asylum, and has been stuck in a backlogged and broken immigration system. The Herschends, , and a host of friends and supporters, were persistent. So were both Hussein and Mohammed, as they pursued their unique versions of the American dream.
Now one of them has a college degree. The other is delivering life-saving vaccine.
“He’s a part of history and helping to save countless lives,†Herschend says of Hussein. “I couldn’t be more proud to call him family.â€
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Tony Messenger
Metro columnist
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