Introduction
In the chaotic early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a team of Fox News journalists found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. On March 14, 2022, while returning from a morning of news-gathering near Kyiv, their car was struck by a bomb. In the blink of an eye, lives were lost, and one man's world was forever changed.
"Saved" by Benjamin Hall is a gripping account of survival, rescue, and recovery. It takes readers from the frontlines of war-torn Ukraine to the specialized medical facilities that would become Hall's home for months. This book is not just about one journalist's brush with death; it's a testament to the human spirit, the power of determination, and the incredible efforts of those who risk their lives to save others.
The Blast That Changed Everything
A Voice in the Dark
The day started like any other for Benjamin Hall and his team. They were in Ukraine to cover the unfolding conflict, bringing the world's attention to the realities of war. But as they drove back from their morning assignment, the unthinkable happened.
The first bomb exploded just 20 feet ahead of their car, destroying a stand of trees. In the chaos that followed, their experienced cameraman, Pierre Zakrzewski, shouted for the driver to reverse. But before they could react, a second bomb hit.
In the eerie silence that followed, Hall found himself in a surreal state. He felt no pain, no urgency – just a strange sense of detachment. Then, something extraordinary happened. He saw a familiar figure and heard the voice of his young daughter, urging him to get out of the car.
This otherworldly experience jolted Hall into action. Despite his severe injuries, he summoned the strength to crawl out of the back seat. It was a decision that saved his life, as moments later, a third bomb exploded.
The Desperate Crawl
Hall and Zakrzewski had survived the initial blasts, but they were far from safe. They were in a combat zone, far from help, and their car had rolled off the main road, making it invisible to any passing vehicles.
Realizing the gravity of their situation, Hall knew he had to act. Despite slipping in and out of consciousness and being in excruciating pain, he began the arduous task of crawling uphill towards the road. It was their only hope of being spotted and rescued.
After what seemed like an eternity, Hall heard the sound of an approaching car. In a final burst of desperate energy, he waved, shouted, and even threw clumps of dirt to attract attention. His efforts paid off when he felt a hand grab the back of his jacket and lift him up. In that moment of blinding pain, one thought crystallized in his mind: they'd been saved.
The Rescue Begins
Waking Up in Uncertainty
Hall's memories of the immediate aftermath are fragmented and confusing. He recalls being in the back of a van, then an ambulance, constantly mumbling his name and profession, fearing he might be in Russian hands.
When he next regained consciousness, he found himself in a hospital bed. Still disoriented and afraid, he initially believed he was being held by Russians. The nurses seemed like spies, and he felt trapped in a Cold War nightmare. It wasn't until an American man approached his bed, asking for his name and if he'd like to leave, that Hall began to understand he was safe.
Behind the Scenes
What Hall didn't know was that a complex rescue operation had been set in motion the moment his team failed to check in. Jen Griffin, Fox News' chief national security correspondent, had received word of a possible incident involving journalists near Kyiv. From that moment, she and her colleagues worked tirelessly to confirm the story and formulate a rescue plan.
The challenges were immense. Ukraine was in chaos, with millions of refugees fleeing and transportation infrastructure under constant attack. The US government had already evacuated its citizens and issued warnings that those who remained were on their own. Getting an injured journalist out of a war zone would require a series of miracles and the expertise of specialists in conflict zone extractions.
The Extraction Plan
Assessing the Situation
Hall's condition was critical. He had lost part of his right leg, his left leg was severely damaged, and he had injuries to his right hand, eyes, and skull. He had suffered burns and internal injuries from the blast. Even in perfect health, leaving Ukraine would have been challenging. In his fragile state, it seemed almost impossible.
Enter Save Our Allies
Jen Griffin reached out to Sarah Verardo, co-founder of Save Our Allies (SOA), an organization specializing in rescuing victims from combat situations. SOA had a network of ex-military and humanitarian strategists on the ground in Ukraine. They immediately dispatched an operative nicknamed Seaspray, who had just returned from rescuing two Ukrainian girls stranded in the conflict zone.
Seaspray quickly located Hall and discovered he was the only survivor of the attack. The mission now had two objectives: get Hall out safely despite his condition, and return the body of cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski to his family.
The Rescue Team
Seaspray partnered with Dr. Rich Jadick, a former naval surgeon and combat veteran, to provide medical care during the extraction. They purchased two old ambulances, staffed them with volunteers, and set out for Kyiv disguised as a medical team.
Their journey to the hospital where Hall was being treated was fraught with danger. They navigated back roads and open fields, avoiding checkpoints where possible. When confronted, they relied on their disguises and acted as if they had every right to be there.
This strategy allowed Rich and Seaspray to walk right into the hospital and up to Hall's room. It was Rich's voice that Hall heard asking if he'd like to leave. The real mission was about to begin.
The Perilous Journey
A Race Against Time
Although Hall's condition was critical, Rich and Seaspray convinced the Ukrainian doctors to discharge him. The hospital was overwhelmed and under constant threat of bombing. Moreover, Hall needed specialized care that could only be provided outside the country.
The team had another reason for urgency. They'd learned that a diplomatic train carrying the Polish Prime Minister was in Kyiv. This train offered the safest and smoothest way out of the country, but they didn't yet have permission to board it.
Navigating a City Under Siege
Getting Hall across Kyiv to the main station was a challenge in itself. The city was under increasing restrictions, with more checkpoints appearing and a shoot-on-sight curfew in place. Seaspray's team worked tirelessly behind the scenes, applying diplomatic pressure and clearing the way ahead.
Miraculously, their efforts paid off. Soldiers at checkpoints let the ambulance pass. At the train station, simply repeating "American" and "medical" while smiling got them through security. Just as they reached the train, they received official permission to travel.
A Bittersweet Journey
As the train rumbled towards Poland, the reality of the situation began to sink in for Hall. The pain medication was wearing off, and he learned of the deaths of his colleagues, Pierre and their local interpreter, Sasha. The physical pain was immense, but it was matched by the emotional toll of loss and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
The Long Road to Recovery
A Series of Transfers
Reaching Poland was just the first step in Hall's journey. A military helicopter met the train to transport him to a local Polish military hospital. There, he was stabilized and prepared for the next leg of his journey to Landstuhl, Germany, home to a specialized US military medical center.
The Extent of the Injuries
Four days after the blast, Hall's condition remained critical. His extensive burns put him at risk of life-threatening infections. His right leg had been amputated, and saving his left leg would be a challenge. He had lost an eye, suffered a crushed skull, and had a brain injury.
The road to recovery would be long and arduous. Doctors estimated it would take at least two years of surgeries, skin grafts, physical rehabilitation, and learning to use prosthetics. Hall faced the daunting task of not just healing his body, but learning to navigate the world with new physical limitations.
The Final Leg
The next step in Hall's treatment was a transfer to the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. This meant enduring a lengthy flight in a military cargo plane without pain medication to keep him alert. It was yet another test of Hall's resilience and determination.
A Remarkable Recovery
Defying Expectations
While medical experts had predicted a two-year recovery process, Benjamin Hall was determined to beat those odds. Motivated by the efforts of all those who had ensured his survival, he approached his recovery with unwavering determination and a positive attitude.
Hall faced each challenge – be it sudden setbacks, painful interventions, or relentless physical therapy – with cheerful resolve. He saw his recovery not just as a personal journey, but as a tribute to those who had come to his aid and in memory of the colleagues who hadn't survived.
Heading Home
Astonishingly, just five months after arriving in Texas, Hall was ready to leave the Brooke Army Medical Center. He bid an emotional farewell to the staff who had become like family and boarded a plane back home. It was a testament to both the expertise of his medical team and his own indomitable spirit.
Reflections on Survival and Gratitude
The Power of Human Kindness
Hall's story is not just one of personal survival; it's a testament to the extraordinary lengths people will go to help others in need. From the unknown individuals who first rescued him from the roadside to the complex network of professionals who orchestrated his extraction and treatment, Hall's journey was made possible by countless acts of bravery and kindness.
A New Perspective
Surviving such a traumatic experience gave Hall a new outlook on life. He gained a deep appreciation for the fragility of life and the importance of every moment. His recovery became a mission not just to heal his body, but to honor the memory of those who didn't survive and to make the most of the second chance he'd been given.
The Importance of Journalism
Hall's experience underscores the risks journalists take to bring important stories to the world's attention. In an era of instant information and citizen journalism, his story reminds us of the value of professional reporters who put themselves in harm's way to bear witness to global events.
Lessons in Resilience
The Human Spirit
Hall's recovery demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing injuries that would have broken many, he approached his rehabilitation with determination and even humor. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Power of Support
Throughout his ordeal, Hall was buoyed by the support of his family, colleagues, and the medical professionals who cared for him. His story highlights the crucial role that a strong support system plays in overcoming adversity.
Adapting to a New Normal
Hall's journey didn't end with his physical recovery. He had to learn to navigate the world with new limitations, adapting to life with prosthetics and reduced vision. His ability to embrace these changes and find new ways to live a full life is a powerful lesson in adaptability and perseverance.
The Broader Impact
Raising Awareness
Hall's story brought renewed attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the dangers faced by journalists in war zones. It served as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of accurate, on-the-ground reporting.
Inspiring Others
By sharing his experience, Hall has inspired countless others facing their own challenges. His story of survival against all odds serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved with determination and support.
Honoring the Fallen
Throughout his recovery, Hall remained committed to honoring the memory of his colleagues who didn't survive. His story ensures that their sacrifice in the pursuit of truth is not forgotten.
Conclusion
"Saved" is more than just a tale of survival; it's a profound exploration of human resilience, the power of community, and the indomitable spirit that can emerge in the face of unimaginable adversity. Benjamin Hall's journey from the brink of death in a war-torn country to his triumphant return home is a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of modern medicine, the dedication of rescue professionals, and the strength of the human will.
This book serves as a reminder of the risks journalists take to bring us the truth from conflict zones around the world. It highlights the often-unseen network of individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to protect and rescue those in danger. Most importantly, it's a story of hope – a vivid illustration that even in the darkest moments, survival is possible, and that with determination and support, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Hall's experience changed him profoundly, giving him a new appreciation for life and a determination to make the most of his second chance. His story inspires readers to value each moment, to persevere in the face of challenges, and to never underestimate the power of the human spirit.
In the end, "Saved" is not just about Benjamin Hall's survival and recovery. It's a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of community, and the extraordinary things that can be achieved when people come together in the face of adversity. It's a powerful reminder that even in our darkest hours, there is always hope, and that with courage, determination, and the support of others, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges life throws our way.