Teen meets American soldier who saved her from Saddam Hussein

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Mill Creek High School student in Gwinnett County says she owes her life, and her graduation, to a stranger she's met only twice: Once as an infant in Iraq and then again Thursday afternoon.
 
The year was 1996. Awaz Barwari had found herself on Saddam Hussein's kill list. 
 
The U.S. agreed to get her out of Iraq. But as she and her then baby Lava arrived at the border, Awaz was told she could go, but her baby's name wasn't on the list and had to stay behind.
 
Then soldier Greg Peppin took the baby in his arms and announced she had a new name.
 
"I said my name is Greg, so if the baby's name is Greg it's got to be a relative and that means she can go," Peppin said.
 
Mom and baby ultimately made it to the Atlanta suburbs where Lava would rise through the Gwinnett County school system.
 
Peppin went on to become Vice President of Boeing International. 
 
The families never saw each other again, but as Lava planned her graduation, she decided she had to track Peppin down.
 
"It was the first story I ever heard. She's always told me about the man who saved my life," Lava told Channel 2's Tony Thomas.

"The day I got Lava's email was one of those signature days that kind of make your life worthwhile," Peppin said.
 
And a reunion 18 years in the making finally happened Thursday between Peppin and "Baby Lava."
 
"I'm happy you tracked me down. I wouldn't miss this for the world," Peppin told Lava
 
When Lava walks across the stage, that man who saved her life will be there for another key moment.
 
"It was worth it… it was! Absolutely,' Peppin said.
 
The graduation ceremony begins Thursday at 8 p.m.

WSBTV