Wael Doukmak: Shooting tragedy felt far away

Although we moved to Saudi Arabia two years ago, we turn to the Banner-Herald's Web site daily to stay in touch with the place we love, and to which we plan to return.

I learned of the Saturday shootings at Athens Community Theater as they happened thanks to Facebook. However, as I logged in to www.onlineathens.com, I was shocked to learn Ben Teague was one of the victims.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims' families, but the loss of Ben brought it home. I had known Ben as a fellow accredited translator even before he walked into the business I then ran in Athens and signed up for Internet service. He and I talked and shared translation anecdotes. I saw Ben a few times after that, and we talked on the phone many times. He always came across as a very nice and gentle person.

From Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I send my condolences to the family of Ben, the families of the other victims and certainly to the wider Athens family.

Wael Doukmak

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