A Statement from Grey Bull Rescue Foundation Chairman & Founder Bryan Stern on the Reelection of President Donald J. Trump
As Chairman and Founder of Grey Bull Rescue and, more importantly, as a Veteran, I have dedicated my life to service, protecting others, and upholding the freedoms that define us as Americans. Today, as our Nation recognizes the election of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States, we stand at a critical juncture. This election is a testament to the strength of our democracy—the will of the American people has been heard, and we, as Americans, must respect that voice and uphold the peace that our Constitution guarantees.
Our system was built by our Founding Fathers on the promise that every American’s vote matters and that we can choose our leaders freely, without fear, without violence, and with the dignity that defines our great Nation. We must remember that regardless of who sits in the White House we are bound by something far stronger than any policy or party. We are bound by our commitment to each other and our country.
At Grey Bull Rescue, our team are Americans first and always. We don’t pledge allegiance to political parties—we pledge allegiance to this country, our people, and the rule of law that keeps us safe. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of every American, especially those overseas in peril who rely on us to stand united here at home. Grey Bull Rescue will always be there to rescue Americans in danger, no matter where in the world they may be. Our commitment to safeguarding our people transcends all borders and political shifts. Hostages and their families do not care about political parties. Rather, they just want to come home safely.
To those who feel frustrated or disappointed today, I say this: While democracy gives us the right to voice our differences, it does not give us the right to threaten, harm, or turn against each other. Political violence is a poison to our democracy and it hands victory to those who want to see us divided and weakened. America’s enemies seek to exploit division and it is the responsibility of all Americans to not give our enemies this opportunity. In recent weeks, Grey Bull Rescue has been inundated with messages from concerned families, worried about their safety and the safety of their children in our very own cities. This fear is real. But giving in to chaos and violence is exactly what our enemies hope for. We cannot—we will not—let that happen.
Now is the time to demonstrate our strength, resolve, and greatness as a people, not through division, but through unity. Every election divides us on policy, but it should never divide us in our principles and core values. Today, I call on all Americans to remember what truly makes us strong: Our respect for each other, our commitment to peace, and our loyalty to the process that has defined us since the founding of this nation. Today, I also extend a message of opportunity and caution to our enemies, it is never too late to push for peace. With a change in government comes a change in policy. Do not mistake this for an opportunity. It would be a mistake to test America’s resolve. We want our hostages returned safely and immediately. We want our citizens who are being unlawfully detained to be released, without incident. This moment of transition can be a blessing that brings peace and I implore you to take advantage of it.
To President Trump, as a fellow alumnus of New York Military Academy and a Queens native myself, on behalf of my team, we congratulate you, your family, and your team for your hard-won victory. We look forward to your leadership in the coming months and years. To President Biden, thank you for your long service to the Nation and your efforts to bring American hostages home.
I urge every American to honor our democracy by respecting the outcome, by respecting each other, and by committing to peaceful action. Together, we are unstoppable. Divided, we are vulnerable. Let’s move forward with integrity, honor, courage, and a fierce commitment to the values that make us who we are. Now, more than ever, we must stand as one.
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About Grey Bull Rescue: Founded and led by Bryan Stern, Grey Bull Rescue is a veteran-led, donor-supported international rescue organization and filed 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with global operations. Specializing in operations within “The Grey Space,” in conflict zones where the U.S. Government does not have access or a presence, Grey Bull Rescue conducts evacuations and daring rescues of individuals impacted by conflict, war, and natural disasters worldwide. Notably, Bryan Stern, the Founder and formerly of Project DYNAMO, led the first air-rescue missions from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover and has conducted daring rescue missions behind enemy lines, rescuing numerous Americans from captivity, torture, and unlawful detention in countries including Sudan, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Haiti and Lebanon. These operations included the rescues of numerous American hostages including the first victim of war crimes alive since World War II. Additionally, the team executed lifesaving missions in the United States during the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Ian. To date, Stern and his team have conducted 650 missions worldwide and saved the lives of more than 7,100 men, women, children, babies and counting.