TAMPA, Fla. [September 26, 2024] — Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit recognized for its daring high-risk international rescue missions, is mobilizing its Field Operations Team and Case Managers in response to Hurricane Helene as the storm rapidly intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico and makes landfall in Florida. The Category 3 storm is set to impact millions of residents across Florida and the Southeastern United States with damaging winds, heavy rain and historic levels of life-threatening storm surge. Grey Bull Rescue has extensive experience evacuating civilians in areas where no other agencies can reach. Led by Bryan Stern, the Chairman and Founder of Grey Bull Rescue and a Special Operations veteran, the team has conducted over 600 missions – saving the lives of over 7,000 people – all over the world. The Grey Bull Rescue team, backed by its Case Managers, conducted helicopter, boat, and land rescue operations during both Hurricanes Ian and Idalia in Florida, in addition to the wildfires in Maui. They successfully rescued hundreds of displaced residents who were trapped in flood waters, fires, destroyed neighborhoods, impassable roads, and isolated in inaccessible locations.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 61 counties in the state and all residents are urged to follow evacuation warnings. As the storm continues, individuals who become trapped and require assistance are encouraged to register at https://greybullrescue.org/ to connect with one of the team’s experienced Case Managers who will make sure that the Operations Team can locate anyone in danger. Grey Bull Rescue is a Tampa-based nonprofit and, as such, this storm and these operations hit very close to home.
“This will be a very serious storm impacting millions. All too often we see people waiting too long and missing the window to evacuate. We strongly encourage all Floridians to follow the orders of state and local government officials, in particular the Florida Department of Emergency Management, and leave when told,” said Stern. “However, if you or a loved one becomes trapped, know that the Grey Bull Rescue team is here, and we will come for you. We do not hesitate to enter dangerous areas to save anyone at the ‘Speed of Need’. We encourage anyone who needs help to register on our website, https://greybullrescue.org/. We cannot get to you if we do not know where you are and that you need assistance.”
Grey Bull Rescue is entirely funded by grassroots donations. Those interested in supporting its rescue missions can do so by visiting https://greybullrescue.org/. Supporters can also follow Grey Bull Rescue on social media to track missions and updates from all over the world.
###
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.