Howdy,
We are approximately 72 hours away from a possible miracle.
Game time, people. Game. Time. We execute operations here on GSV.
This is Op GSV. There is no numerical number after it because this will be the last one.
My interpreter’s flights are good to go. I will meet him—inshallah—on Friday afternoon. We will then drive him to his permanent home. Those details will be revealed after he arrives safely.
I’ve been blessed with a bunch of pros to work with. I have three teams: 1) one focusing on reintegration into the US (job, a place to stay, etc.), 2) another providing logistical support during his time in a third country, and 3) the last team is ensuring his departure is good to go.
My flights are set. He’s good to go. Now, we wait until game time.
This is the worst part.
All the details have been ironed out, and now we execute.
I don’t miss this stuff, ladies and gentlemen. Not at all. It wears on me. It does indeed. It triggers my Combat PTSD, Moral Injury, and TBIs. Last night, my nightmares returned. But I did my meditations and returned to executing ops.
But you know what? I’m tired of executing operations.
This is my last combat interpreter unaccounted for. Honestly, I’ve lost track of how many I’ve helped get their SIV — maybe 10-15?
But I haven’t led an operation like this since the early days of the fall of Kabul. For years now, we’ve been working on his case.
After this op is successful, I’m retiring. I will spend the remainder of my days fighting for our Afghan brothers & sisters but with my pen instead of the sword.
Whether you’re religious or not, I humbly ask that you pray, send good vibes, or light a candle for him.
He’s earned his place among us. Now, let’s uphold the promise.
Until Next Time.
Congratulations! And thank you!
As you have said in an earlier post you are addicted to purpose. This may be your last interpreter, but I do not believe it is your last Afghan rescue. I fully expect you to be a recidivist.
Good luck, Godspeed, and know lots of your readers care about your concerns (and your psyche). Now, I’m going to find my St Michael the Archangel medal just to throw out some Catholic vibes.