Bill Summary
This resolution honors and recognizes the brave individuals who participated in the evacuation of over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in 2021. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by service members during the 20-year engagement in Afghanistan and highlights the extraordinary efforts of the 13 individuals who participated in the evacuation. The resolution specifically mentions Chad Robichaux, a Special Operations veteran who led a mission to rescue his combat interpreter, Azizullah Aziz, and his family from the Taliban. It also acknowledges the efforts of other team members, including a wounded soldier's wife who helped secure their safe passage to the airport. The resolution details the dangerous and challenging circumstances they faced, including facing danger without a Quick Reaction Force and interacting with foreign militaries while establishing evacuation routes. It concludes by recognizing their heroic actions and thanking them on behalf of the United States for their service and sacrifice.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation could provide recognition and honor for the individuals who participated in the Afghan evacuation, potentially positively impacting their morale and sense of pride.
2. The legislation could also highlight the sacrifices and challenges faced by these individuals and bring attention to the broader issue of military involvement and engagement in foreign conflicts.
3. The legislation could potentially lead to further discussions and actions regarding the US's role in global issues and the protection of citizens and allies in dangerous situations.
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1046 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1046
Honoring the brave men and women who participated in the Afghanistan
evacuation in 2021 following the United States withdrawal, for their
extraordinary efforts and exceptional service in the safe evacuation of
over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 29, 2024
Mr. Norman (for himself, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, Mr. Weber of Texas,
Mr. Gimenez, Mrs. Spartz, and Mr. Mooney) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Honoring the brave men and women who participated in the Afghanistan
evacuation in 2021 following the United States withdrawal, for their
extraordinary efforts and exceptional service in the safe evacuation of
over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and for other
purposes.
Whereas the events of August 2021 marked a significant turning point in the
history of United States engagement in Afghanistan, as the Nation
underwent a process of withdrawal after over two decades of military
presence;
Whereas, over the course of those 20 years, countless men and women in uniform
made tremendous sacrifices to uphold the principles of democracy and
freedom while also honoring the promises made to the Afghan people to
build a safer and more prosperous country;
Whereas among these exceptional individuals were the 13 individuals who
participated in the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, serving as a beacon
of hope and demonstrating unwavering dedication to the ideals of the
United States;
Whereas, when the final withdrawal was announced, Chad Robichaux knew he needed
to act, as his combat interpreter, Azizullah Aziz, who had saved his
life on countless occasions throughout his 8 deployments to Afghanistan
as part of a Joint Special Operations Task Force, was now being hunted
and targeted by the Taliban for helping him;
Whereas, determined to save his loyal friend, Chad embarked on a mission that
would bring together 12 modern-day avengers, all Special Operations
veterans, and 1 determined woman to drop everything and rescue Aziz and
his family from Afghanistan, and without hesitation, each member of the
team agreed to join the daring mission;
Whereas, in a matter of hours, Chad Robichaux assembled a team and made a
crucial call to Sarah Verardo, the wife of a catastrophically wounded
soldier from his service in Afghanistan, who miraculously secured their
way to Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul, Afghanistan;
Whereas the 12-man team quickly mobilized, with Chad heading to Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates, to establish a humanitarian center for evacuees,
and meanwhile, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, and Dave Johnson
headed for HKIA itself, setting up a command center at HKIA and nonstop
rescue operations amidst Taliban-controlled territory, facing immense
danger without a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), and in just 10 days, their
unwavering efforts led to the successful rescue of over 12,000 lives;
Whereas, even in the face of tremendous adversity, the team's dedication did not
waver;
Whereas, despite Abbey Gate being destroyed and the gates welded shut, they
refused to leave, and over the next 2 months, they continued their
humanitarian efforts remotely, leading a coalition to rescue an
additional 5,000 individuals through alternate routes around the region;
Whereas their commitment and determination made a significant difference during
this critical time of need;
Whereas Chad Robichaux's mission did not end with the evacuation from HKIA, and
after teaming up with Fellow Force Recon Marine and Scout Sniper, Staff
Sergeant Dennis Price, he embarked on a grueling 10-day, 90-mile
reconnaissance mission along the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border,
swimming into Afghanistan every night past Taliban and Chinese soldiers
in order to use their Special Operations experience to build evacuation
routes for women and children still trapped in Afghanistan as Afghan
Commandos attempted to move them to the Tajikistan border, and braving
the treacherous terrain and encounters with foreign militaries,
including Chinese, Russian, Tajikistan, and Taliban fighters, they
successfully established routes that are still in use today, ensuring
more people could find their way to safety;
Whereas the valor and courage displayed by Chad Robichaux, Dennis Price, Tim
Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, Sarah Verardo, Joe
Robert, Dan Stinson, Kevin Metcalf, Nick Palmisciano, Hunter Robichaux,
and Sean Lee during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021 exemplify the
very essence of United States promises to the Afghan people throughout
the 20 years of war;
Whereas their actions served as a powerful testament to the unwavering loyalty
and dedication of the United States Armed Forces, reinforcing the
Nation's role as a beacon of hope and justice on the global stage, and
their commitment to duty and humanity will forever be etched in the
Congressional Record as a shining example of United States heroism;
Whereas, under the exceptional leadership of Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux,
this remarkable team of Special Operation veterans took up the charge to
protect and evacuate over 17,000 citizens and Afghan allies from
Taliban-controlled Afghanistan during a time of unfathomable danger and
uncertainty; and
Whereas these individuals have dedicated their lives to protecting our country,
putting their own lives on the line to safeguard others, and their
heroism deserves great honor: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives, on behalf of a
grateful Nation, recognizes and thanks these courageous men and women
for putting their own lives on the line and for their exemplary service
in rescuing over 17,000 citizens and Afghan allies from unfathomable
danger.
<all>