John Spor, the founder of Texas Photonics, was in danger of capture by the Russians at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Spor’s knowledge of sensitive U.S. military technology put a target on his back. In June of 2022, Bryan Stern and his team carried out an operation to rescue John from the Russians and safely reunite him with his family.
CASE STUDY:
AMERICAN NUCLEAR SCIENTIST HUNTED BY RUSSIAN FORCES IN UKRAINE
American Nuclear Scientist, John Spor
The heroic rescue of one of the highest value Russian targets in war-torn Ukraine
High-Value Target:
Spor was living in Mariupol, Ukraine, when the city was attacked and occupied by invading Russian forces in February 2022. Known for designing technology in U.S. military laser-guided weapons systems, Spor became a high-value target to Russian forces and intelligence services. Spor left his home in Mariupol after Russian missiles hit the city in March, narrowly escaping Chechen-Russian forces who had been hunting him.
Desperate Measures:
“They stole all my televisions and all my electric heaters and drank 40 bottles of booze,” Spor recounted. It was clear his fate would have been dire had the forces found him at home. Seeking help, Spor’s sister contacted the U.S. State Department, Senator Ted Cruz, and Congressman Randy Weber, who recommended Bryan Stern for the complex exfiltration mission.
The Operation:
It took over a month to plan and execute the dangerous rescue of John Spor. Bryan Stern, a highly decorated and experienced veteran, moved Spor through Russian territory and into Ukraine, crossing more than 30 Russian checkpoints. Employing complex tactics honed over years of government service, Stern masked Spor’s location and movement from Russian security services. Disguising Spor with old crutches, the team successfully passed through the checkpoints unnoticed, reaching Poland on June 22, 2022.
Heartwarming Reunion:
When reunited with his dad in Poland, John’s son Sean Spor expressed immense gratitude:
“I’m so grateful for Bryan and his team and for the support they have provided to me and my family during this time. They’ve rescued my dad from harm’s way.”
Lasting Impact:
“Bryan has been with our family every step through this nightmare. He and his team have answered our family’s prayers,” said Lauri Weigle, Spor’s sister. The rescue of John Spor not only reunited a family torn apart by war but also showcased the incredible bravery and determination of Bryan Stern and the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. This mission serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths to which dedicated individuals will go to protect and save lives, even in the most perilous circumstances. Bryan and his team’s unwavering commitment provided a beacon of hope for the Spor family during their darkest hours.
Grey Bull Rescue steps in, promising to never abandon Americans in need.
Grey Bull Rescue’s team of elite special operations experts began their work during the failed U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan, successfully rescuing countless Americans and allies. Since then, more than 7,000 men, women, children, babies, and even beloved pets credit Stern and his team for safely evacuating them from disaster zones.
This includes operations in 35 countries including Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Israel, Haiti, and the United States during the devastating Maui wildfires and following Hurricane Ian in Florida. Grey Bull Rescue Foundation is as much about the heroes who support us as the heroes who conduct the missions.
All of our work is made possible by the concern, care, and extraordinary generosity of public and private donors. In areas where government support is not possible, Grey Bull Rescue steps in, promising to never abandon Americans in need.