[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>