Saving Aziz Summary

"How have I not heard of this story before?" This gripping tale of bravery, sacrifice, and friendship restores faith in humanity amidst desolation.

1. War Creates Unexpected Bonds

War often forges deep friendships, and Chad Robichaux’s relationship with Aziz exemplifies this. Chad, a Force Recon Marine, met Aziz, an Afghan interpreter, in the line of duty. Despite the harrowing conditions of Afghanistan post-9/11, their camaraderie flourished over shared missions and mutual respect.

Their connection was strong enough for Aziz's children to affectionately call Chad "Uncle." A pivotal moment of understanding came when Aziz revealed the horrors of Taliban executions, taking Chad to a bloodstained execution site. This moment solidified Chad’s resolve to fight not just for his mission but for families like Aziz’s.

Chad’s bond with Aziz transcended the battlefield. This friendship remained steadfast even years after Chad transitioned out of military service, bearing a lasting impact that would inspire the rescue of thousands.

Examples

• Chad attending a family gathering at Aziz’s home, deepening their connection.
• Aziz showcasing Taliban atrocities in an empty pool filled with bullet marks.
• Aziz’s children calling Chad “Uncle,” symbolizing their familial closeness.

2. The Courage of Ordinary People

Aziz, though initially an English teacher, demonstrated unwavering bravery in dangerous situations. He transitioned from interpreter to an indispensable operations man, trusted for his instincts and selflessness.

When a colleague named Jerry was under attack, Aziz sprang into action alongside Chad without hesitation, providing cover fire in a perilous rescue mission. Another time, his suspicion during an arms deal saved the team, taking precautions that ensured their survival when things went awry.

Aziz consistently risked his life for the mission and his team, proving that courage can arise in anyone when lives are on the line.

Examples

• Aziz providing critical cover for Chad in Jerry’s rescue.
• Insisting on additional security for a risky arms deal, preventing a potential ambush.
• Volunteering to fight alongside US Marines, despite the danger to himself and his family.

3. The Complexity of War’s Aftermath

Chad’s wartime efforts were heroic, but they left traumatic scars. While he made the decision to return to Afghanistan even after threats against his life, the toll of war began mounting over time.

After being captured and interrogated by the Taliban, Chad was released under unclear circumstances, leaving him deeply shaken. Subsequent events, including the loss of allies and an attack on his home, pushed him into struggles with PTSD. Recognizing his mental state as a risk to his team, Chad sought help and began to step away from active duty.

Chad’s struggles underscore the weight soldiers carry, both during and after their service.

Examples

• Chad choosing to return to duty even after learning of dangers to his life.
• His capture by the Taliban and the mental anguish he endured as a result.
• PTSD impacting his ability to serve, leading to his decision to step down.

4. A New Mission: Helping Veterans Heal

Post-military life was not easy for Chad, as he struggled with identity and mental health. Mixed Martial Arts became an outlet, but it was faith and purpose that truly helped him rebuild.

Chad founded the Mighty Oaks Foundation to aid veterans in their transition to civilian life, providing resources and mentorship. Through this work, he began using his experiences and pain to help others conquer their challenges.

This foundation became the grounding force that prepared Chad for the life-altering mission of rescuing Aziz and others.

Examples

• Establishing the Mighty Oaks Foundation for struggling veterans.
• Offering mentorship and counseling based on personal struggles with PTSD.
• Rebuilding his marriage and personal life through faith and purpose.

5. A Race Against Time

When President Biden announced America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Chad knew he had to act quickly to save Aziz. Aziz’s years-long application for a Special Immigration Visa had stalled, leaving him and his family vulnerable.

Initially, Chad raised funds to solely rescue Aziz and his family. But as chaos unfolded at Kabul’s airport, Chad's mission expanded. He realized there was an opportunity to help thousands of people facing similar dangers.

This urgency transformed a personal mission into a large-scale operation that became Save Our Allies.

Examples

• Aziz’s stalled visa application creating urgency.
• Kabul airport chaos influencing Chad to scale up rescue plans.
• Chad rallying support and funding to begin a broader mission.

6. Rescues Under Fire

Save Our Allies thrived in severe conditions. Chaos outside Kabul airport made evacuations risky, with the Taliban’s checkpoints tightening and masses of people desperate to escape.

Despite these challenges, Save Our Allies successfully evacuated up to a thousand people daily. They carefully coordinated with countries like the UAE for temporary shelter and managed delicate operations under night cover when necessary.

Aziz and his family were among the thousands rescued, symbolizing the success and humanity of these efforts.

Examples

• Utilizing UAE as a base for staging evacuation efforts.
• Nighttime bus evacuations to bypass Taliban checkpoints.
• Saving Aziz’s family amidst the turmoil.

7. Aziz’s Transition from Refugee to Leader

Aziz’s leadership qualities surfaced even in displacement. Upon arriving in UAE refugee housing, he immediately began organizing accommodations and helping others reconnect with their families.

Though he had been rescued, Aziz naturally became a linchpin in streamlining refugee support. His actions show how a single person can positively influence the lives of many, even in dire circumstances.

Examples

• Aziz organizing temporary housing logistics for refugees in the UAE.
• Helping displaced families reunite amidst chaotic conditions.
• Stepping into leadership roles despite his own challenges as a refugee.

8. Friendships that Save Lives

Chad and Aziz’s bond, forged in fire, became the foundation of Save Our Allies. Their friendship set the moral compass for Chad’s decision to risk everything for Aziz, ultimately scaling this effort to help over 17,000 people.

Their relationship proves that strong connections can inspire actions capable of shaping history and saving lives.

Examples

• Chad’s unwavering commitment to extracting Aziz in the face of Kabul’s chaos.
• Their reunion in the UAE, highlighting the depth of their mutual respect.
• Turning personal loyalty into a wider rescue mission.

9. Saving More Than Lives

Save Our Allies surpassed basic evacuations, providing mental health support, transition assistance, and settlement aid to rescued allies. Their holistic efforts aim to help refugees create stable new lives.

They also continue covert rescue operations in Afghanistan, proving their dedication goes beyond the spotlight, extending to those still at risk.

Examples

• Mental health programs for war veterans and refugees.
• Helping refugees resettle and integrate into their new homes.
• Covertly rescuing families one by one post-airport evacuation phase.

Takeaways

1. Build meaningful connections – strong relationships can lay the foundation for acts of immense courage and change.
2. Remain adaptable – unexpected challenges can lead to broader opportunities to help others if approached creatively.
3. Offer support beyond immediate needs – when assisting others, consider their long-term well-being and transition.