"Save The Stranded: A Post Afghan-American War Project"

By Scott Chapman and Russ Pritchard

Note: OFB refused to release funds generated by our stories to feed starving Afghans or to keep them warm through the winters. All links to donation pages have been disabled.

Operation Freedom Birds (OFB) facilitates safe and reliable air transport for American Citizens and Afghan Allies, including asylum seekers currently hiding in Afghanistan. Acronyms associated with these categories include: AMCIT’s, SIV, P1, and P2. The acronyms represent human beings hunted by the Taliban. Primarily a volunteer organization with a pending 501C3 nonprofit status, Operation Freedom Birds does not hold a political view. It is a humanitarian operation to save lives in imminent danger from the Taliban. Through working relationships with other evacuation efforts and maintaining open lines of communication with the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Members of Congress, and numerous subject matter experts, Operation Freedom Birds provides transport from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and operates strictly within airports and legal air spaces.

Flooded by requests from around the world, the unanimous message vocalized to Operation Freedom Birds is a fear-driven plea for help. In recent weeks, many have had friends and family tortured and killed by the Taliban; many are actively being hunted and in peril. Entire families, 15 or more, move every few days, hoping to stay ahead of the Taliban while waiting for a mechanism of transport to safety. 

This is one story: 

Amanda Sullivan comes to Operation Freedom Birds with her own unique set of life experiences. An exceptional athlete, she attended Villanova University, and after college became a humanitarian aid worker assisting orphans and refugees, focusing on children who had been trafficked and survivors of genocides. In 2009, while home to visit family after a decade abroad, Sullivan was injured when a distracted driver struck her car - and then weeks later Sullivan, herself, was struck by a car on a sidewalk outside a physical therapy office resulting in horrific injuries that ultimately resulted in the amputation of her right leg below the knee. Unstoppable, Sullivan has gone on to become the first female amputee firefighter, the first Pro adaptive athlete for Spartan Racing, a motivational speaker, a social media influencer, and has completed scores of obstacle courses and running races, including the NYC Marathon.

Amanda’s indomitable spirit is presently tested as her boyfriend (identified herein as “Sam”) is a high-ranking Afghan National Army General Officer Commando wanted by the Taliban. “He’s an amazing and giving person,” says Amanda. “We met through connections I made with vets wounded in Afghanistan when I was recovering from my injuries at Walter Reed. He speaks ten languages and was my inspiration to pursue becoming the first female amputee firefighter. “Sam” loves Afghanistan and wanted to stay behind to protect his country and its citizens as long as possible. When we tried to get him out those last few days, he kept giving up his seat on planes to widows, pregnant women, and young children. He gave up his seat more than thirty times. And then the planes stopped.

In an August 21, 2021, Letter for Refugee Resettlement to the United States (P-2 Application) for “Sam” and his family, an American Special Operations Task Force Commander stated the following about “Sam”:

● “Sam” worked directly with various U.S. Agencies and Special Operations Units for the last two years within the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANSOC), partnered directly with U.S. Forces. Throughout these two years of service partnered with U.S. elements, “Sam” was placed in numerous trusted and sensitive roles as the coordinating officer with the ANSOC Commanding General. During this time, he provided faithful and valuable service to the United States that ultimately advanced our mission and saved lives. “Sam” poses no threat to the national security or safety of the United States of America. I highly support him receiving a visa and refugee settlement to the United States. His direct and continuous support to the U.S. over the years has placed him and his family in extreme danger following the U.S. military departure from Afghanistan.

● Given “Sam’s” overt and public relationships with the United States and NATO, he is at the top of the Taliban’s and AQ’s list to capture and kill. Taliban are currently hunting house-to-house for him. If he is not evacuated from Afghanistan, he will undoubtedly be killed by a violent extremist organization that he helped the U.S. fight over the past two years.

● I worked directly with “Sam”. He always displayed a high degree of sincerity and loyalty to the United States. He also has passed every level of Counter Intelligence screening. He is dependable, and his invaluable service to the RESOLUTE SUPPORT Mission – Afghanistan has proven him qualified and highly capable. He is exceptionally capable, and I thoroughly recommend immigration to the United States.

The Taliban hunt “Sam” with a fervor - as they do anyone who assisted the United States Military over the past 20 years. They send him direct messages and broadcast to the public that when they catch him, they will film his death to make an example of him. The Taliban state they will skin him alive, light him on fire, and behead him. These are the same fear and terror tactics that drew the U.S. into Afghanistan. 

At the time of this writing, Sam and fifteen family members are hiding and moving every few days. Twenty-four hours earlier, “Sam” made verbal contact with Amanda and the Freedom Birds team. They’re still alive, but resources are running out.

Help us bring “Sam” and his family to safety. Donate today to Operation Freedom Birds. Every $3,800 saves one life.