From Sudanese warrior to Seattle cool dude, Daniel Machar is making his way

"One thing that is a beautiful thing in America is choice. You have freedom. As long as you stay away from trouble, you'll be free."

Take it from Daniel Machar. This he knows. A boy soldier in southern Sudan at 11. A warrior from the Nuer tribe. Raised himself since he was 8. Daniel's spent more years in Ethiopian refugee camps than in his family's hut in Sudan.

Yes, he's seen all that you imagine he has seen: disease, starvation, death. (He hid all night in a foxhole behind the dead body of another kid). Fortunately, though, Daniel stepped in the way of a bomb, took a chunk of it in his leg. The injury got him off the battlefield and later, at age 19, to the United States.

Malia became Daniel, parented himself to learn English, complete the GED and earn a running scholarship that put him through Skagit Valley College.

The once Sudanese warrior is now Seattle dude: 30 years old, cellphone, Mariners fan, Honda Accord, wears cologne, plays softball, has dozens of friends on Facebook.

The thing about dudes is, dudes are cool. So here's what's cool about Daniel: He works at least two full-time jobs to send a nephew in Kenya and a half-brother in Sudan to school. He also sends money to a sister and brother in Sudan: "She has four kids and her husband died."

Those full-time jobs? Taking care of other people. Alpha Supported Living Services by day, Creative Living Services by night. Both places serving mentally disabled adults. His eyes light up when he talks about them. What delights them delights him.

"I believe what goes around comes around. For my life I raised myself, so it was my goal to help other people."

Ever the parent.

Daniel used to work every day. But he's got weekends off now. He goes out. To clubs. Dancing. "But I never drink, and I never smoke. I'm always the designated driver."

See?

Before Daniel goes, he wants me to know that people think he looks like Ken Griffey Jr. He turns his M's cap backward. He does.

So, what is the most amazing thing about America? I have to ask, and Daniel knows. It isn't the hot dogs or the fancy coffee or any wireless gizmo.

"Obama becoming president. I cried."

He takes off his ball cap. And there are a tribesman's scars.