How Nick Palmisciano and Save Our Allies Saved 12,000 Afghans During the Chaos of the Drawdown

The withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 was one of the most contentious and chaotic moments in recent American military history. What should have been a well-coordinated mission has descended into chaos, exposing flaws in the Biden administration’s execution and leadership. As the eyes of the world watched the unrest unfold, thousands of Afghan allies and civilians were left stranded, their lives hanging in the balance, as the Taliban seized control of Kabul.

Amid this turmoil, Nick Palmisciano, a former US Army infantry officer and CEO of Diesel Jack Media, took decisive action with Save Our Allies. Save Our Allies, a nonprofit coalition founded by veterans, has demonstrated the courage, strategic thinking and compassion needed in an unprecedented crisis. The team’s heroic efforts led to the successful evacuation of 12,000 Afghans from the clutches of the Taliban – a feat achieved not by the might of governments, but by the determination of a civilian population committed to keeping their promises.

Palmisciano’s participation was not out of convenience, but out of conviction. After graduating from West Point, Nick served six years as an infantry officer and witnessed the casualties of war. He understood the responsibility veterans felt toward those who risked their lives to support American troops during two decades of conflict. As part of Project Save Our Allies, Palmisciano became part of a complex network of volunteers, including Scott Mann’s Pineapple Express, which brought together retired special operators, military personnel and civilians.

“We had everyone involved, from guys sitting on couches tracking evacuees in Excel spreadsheets to boots on the ground risking everything in Kabul,” Palmisciano said. The veterans community mobilized, demonstrating a level of unity and purpose that stood in stark contrast to the official disarray. The harsh reality was that although the government’s efforts were unsuccessful, it was these civilian-led coalitions that organized hope.

Palmisciano’s words reflect the complex emotions of the time: “I have never been more proud of Americans and less proud of my country at the same time.” This sentiment echoes the ambivalence many veterans faced during the troop withdrawal. Their pride in their brothers and sisters who did their best was in stark contrast to their embarrassment at how the mission was carried out at the highest level.

The operation was not without risks. Palmisciano and other volunteers faced logistical nightmares, communications disruptions and constant danger posed by the unpredictable Taliban regime. However, through strategic planning, creative problem solving, and an unwavering commitment to the mission, Save Our Allies coordinated flights, secured passages, and facilitated the safe evacuation of thousands of people.

The veteran community’s response to the Afghan crisis also reflects a broader view of the value of service and duty that extends beyond the active war years. Although formal systems failed, these informal networks demonstrated the core values ​​ingrained in every service member: courage, self-sacrifice, and a steadfast refusal to leave anyone behind.

Nick Palmisciano’s work with Save Our Allies demonstrates that the true spirit of service is not defined by political mandates, but by actions that honor the bonds forged in shared struggle. His story, and that of countless volunteers, sheds light on the resilience and determination that can emerge even in moments of national disappointment.

As Americans reflect on this chapter of history, Palmisciano’s example reminds us that true leadership is about acting when the situation calls for it, not when it’s convenient. It’s a lesson in resilience and humanity that, in the face of failed policies, showcases the best of what it means to be an American.

Check out Nick’s new comedy series. Joe’s officewhich will be released on Amazon and other streaming platforms on November 8, 2024.

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