TAMPA, Fla. [September 19, 2024] — Bryan Stern, the Chairman and Founder of Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit renowned for its high-risk international rescue operations, today commemorates the third anniversary of one of his team’s most daring missions: the evacuation of 117 American Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Early in his nonprofit journey on September 28, 2021, Stern led his team of brave veterans to fly the first charter aircraft out of the closed Kabul International Airport, pulling off an airborne rescue that captured the world’s attention and saved more than a hundred Americans, including 59 children, who were left behind after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal.
With the new Taliban regime in charge of Afghanistan and the U.S. Embassy evacuated, hundreds of Americans and thousands of Afghan allies were stranded in grave peril. Stern, a decorated veteran of the Afghan war and seasoned international rescue expert, was compelled to act. After weeks of ground operations in neighboring countries and dangerous rescue attempts by land, his team successfully executed this mission, bringing abandoned American citizens, LPRs and their families to safety.
“Our mission was crystal clear—find Americans in danger, get into Afghanistan, and get our people out,” said Stern. “My team and I couldn’t stand by while fellow Americans were trapped in such a dangerous and volatile situation. Despite the risks, we knew what had to be done. This rescue was not just a mission; It was part of our commitment as veterans to never leave our people behind and that promise continues to drive us today. Our motto at Grey Bull Rescue is to ‘Save lives at the Speed of Need’, whenever and wherever necessary.”
Since that historic mission, which was one of the largest private rescues of Americans in history, the Grey Bull Rescue team has grown into a global powerhouse of more than 80 elite rescue professionals, having conducted more than 600 operations. Stern’s team has rescued more than 7,000 Americans and allies in conflict zones around the world including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Haiti, Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel. They also successfully evacuated and aided Americans during the devastating wildfires in Maui and following Hurricane Ian in Florida. Most recently, Grey Bull Rescue launched Operation: SAFE PASSAGE in response to escalating tensions in Lebanon and Israel and successfully rescued an American family trapped in Hezbollah territory, with bombs detonating outside of their home.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to rescue Americans and allies, regardless of where they are or how perilous the circumstances. From Kabul three years ago to Southern Lebanon today, we save lives at the ‘SPEED OF NEED’, stepping in where others cannot,” emphasized Stern. “Grey Bull Rescue is entirely donor funded and, to that end, we are entirely transparent with how we spend money. Every dollar raised goes directly to fund our operations to rescue Americans and allies in need with one goal, providing hope and a lifeline to those where all hope is lost.”
Those interested in supporting Grey Bull Rescue’s mission to evacuate and rescue Americans and allies from conflict zones around the world can do so by visiting https://greybullrescue.org/. Supporters can follow Grey Bull Rescue on social media to track missions and updates from all over the world.
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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 617 missions worldwide and saved the lives of more than 7,000 men, women, children, babies and counting.