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

By Scott Chapman and Russ Pritchard

The people of Afghanistan were our loyal Allies in the Global War on Terror for twenty  years (2001-2021). The Afghan military professionals built careers around selfless service, and many trained extensively in the United States at the expense of the American taxpayer. When the United States withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, the country collapsed to the Taliban. 

Many will recall the horrific last days when Afghans clung to the departing American planes hoping to escape. Our Afghan Allies lost their homes, their pensions, and their families. The men and women of the Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing (SMW)  arrived in the United States with the clothes on their backs and nothing more. 

They were given food stamps and a few months rent. At a time when our country is in dire need of pilots and airplane mechanics, the aviation professionals from Afghanistan living in the United States are working jobs in the rideshare industry or as cashiers in convenience stores. Most are trapped working several menial jobs to support themselves and feed their families still hiding from the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Afghan American Development Group (AADG) takes a tactical, and more logical, approach to helping former Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing personnel adjust to life in America. This requires a multi-step approach to overcoming mountains of paperwork, reunification with loved ones left behind, transitioning from military to civilian  careers, and finding the right job. AADG creates hope, focused efforts, and helping new Afghan refugees succeed. 

Flooded by requests from around the world, a  unanimous message vocalized to the writing team of Chapman and  Pritchard, is a fear-driven plea for help. Since the Fall of Kabul, many Afghans are tortured and killed by the Taliban. Hunting humans while using tools and tactics taught by us, the U.S.  Entire families, 11+++, are forced to relocate every few days to stay  ahead of the Taliban death squads.

Our Afghan Allies were there for us for twenty years; we need to be here for them now. 

This is one story: 

Amanda Sullivan comes to Pritchard and Chapman 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 our friendly team. They’re still alive, but resources are running out.

Help us bring “Sam” and his family to safety. Help AADG.