Terry Gately’s imprisonment and torture by Russian Intelligence in Kherson, Ukraine, underscore the vulnerabilities of American non-combatants in conflict zones when governmental channels fail. Gately, an innocent civilian, faced the grim reality of war crimes, abducted twice by the Russians early in the war. The second time, he was held for eight days and tortured, making Terry one of the first American war crime victims since World War II. His rescue showcases the crucial need for Grey Bull Rescue’s ability to respond swiftly to Americans in crisis worldwide.
CASE STUDY:
RESCUED FROM RUSSIAN WAR CRIMES IN KHERSON
AMERICAN CITIZEN & MISSIONARY, TERRY GATELY
Arrested and tortured by Russian Intelligence Service
A Devoted Missionary:
Texan Terry Gately has always been dedicated to serving others. As a devout Christian, he was a missionary in Ukraine for ten years. When the Russians invaded in February 2022, Terry was on a humanitarian mission at an orphanage for disabled and underprivileged children in Kherson. This city, the first significant regional capital to be captured, fell partly due to treachery by local officials, which increased the danger for Americans trapped there.
Trapped and Desparate:
Determined to return home for safety, Terry faced significant obstacles. The U.S. embassy in Kyiv had been evacuated, and despite numerous appeals, no help was available. The U.S. State Department even advised him to surrender to Russian authorities, a move that could have led to long-term imprisonment or worse.
A Nightmarish Ordeal:
In early July, while on a bus to the orphanage, Terry was seized by Russian intelligence at a checkpoint. The soldiers demanded passports, and upon discovering Terry was American, he was immediately arrested. Blindfolded and driven to an undisclosed location, he endured eight days of brutal torture. “There was blood everywhere,” Terry later recounted. “I understood I was going to be killed. A general held a gun to my head and played Russian roulette.”
Terry endured beatings, sleep deprivation, mock executions, forced participation in propaganda videos, and other forms of physical and psychological torture. He also witnessed atrocities against Ukrainian civilians. Desperate, his family sought every means to free him, but hope emerged when his son saw Bryan Stern on the news.
The Rescue Operation:
By July 2022, Bryan Stern and his team had been in Ukraine for six months, conducting numerous successful rescues. After speaking with Terry’s son, Bryan and a small squad navigated behind enemy lines into Kherson. Known to the Russians as the “Amerikanskiy volshebnik,” or “American magician,” Bryan used diplomacy and cunning to secure Terry’s release.
On the day of his release, Terry, unaware of the rescue plan, found himself abandoned on a remote road with a bag over his head. “I took off the bag, and a man asked, ‘You want to go to Zaporizhzhia?’ I said, ‘I sure do.’” This man was part of Bryan’s team. Navigating through over 50 Russian checkpoints, Bryan and his team safely transported Terry to Poland by July 3, 2022, and he was reunited with his family in the United States on July 15, 2022.
Lasting Impact:
Back in the U.S., Terry began recovering from his traumatic experience. The physical and psychological scars remain, but his resolve to help others has only strengthened. Despite his brutal experience, Terry returned to Ukraine to continue his humanitarian work, driven by the profound impacts the war had on Ukrainian citizens and children.
Bryan Stern remains discreet about the details of Terry’s rescue; a magician never reveals his secrets. Many who disappeared at the hands of the Russians in Ukraine are still missing. Still, Bryan continues his mission through the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, vowing to rescue Americans in trouble wherever and whenever they may be. His unwavering dedication and bravery, supported by generous donors, serve as beacons of hope and resilience in the face of war and evil.
“Anytime you come back home to Texas, it’s a great feeling. But when you come back from death, it’s a wonderful feeling!” – Terry Gately.
Conclusion:
Terry Gately’s rescue is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals step up in the face of adversity. This operation saved lives and inspired a legacy of action and compassion, urging us all to remember that in times of crisis, we have the power to make a difference.