Ones Ready Ep. 200- Leaving Afghanistan: Lessons from HKIA feat. PJs Sean & Chris
Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai International Airport, or HKIA, was the center of the world's attention following the announcement of America's retrograde from Afghanistan over the course of 2021. The images we saw- desperate civilians throwing children over the wall into the arms of Marines and Airmen. The terrifying images of the aftermath of the attack at Abbey Gate. Videos of desperate Afghanis falling from aircraft in their last ditch attempt to escape the Taliban for anywhere other than Afghanistan. It is a time that has been burned into the brains of all American Service Members.
Recently, Congress started hearing some accounts of what happened over the course of those 4 months. From the breakdown in the chain of command to the lack of support, to the tragedy of losing 13 Americans in a mass casualty event- even 2 years later, this event has captivated the hearts, minds and attention of of the American Public.
Finally, the Pararescue Team Senior Enlisted Leader, Sean, and Team Sergeant, Chris, are here to tell their story of exactly what happened in the lead up to the event, exactly what happened in the most unsure time in all of the Global War on Terror, and the days and weeks that followed.
In the end, 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses were awarded to the pilots, crew chiefs, loadmasters maintaners and support personnel for their support to Operation ALLIES REFUGE. However, the ground team- who were credited with the rescue and movement of tens of thousands of cvilians- recieved far less recognition.
At the time of this writing, the highest medal bestowed on the ground team is a Bronze Star with Valor, and only two of them. The struggle continues at the highest levels to recognize their sacrifices appropriately.
Thank you doesn't begin to encapsulate how appreciative the Ones Ready team is for Sean and Chris taking this time to highlight just how capable, relevant, valiant and professional the Air Force's Rescue Community is- but thank you is the best we can do, and we mean it sincerely.
What was your favorite part of the podcast? Drop them in the comments!
00:00 Greymangear.com and Eberlestock.com
04:40 Intros and Welcome
08:07 Lead up to HKIA from Chris
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