As House Republicans convened in Florida to strategize for upcoming elections, Representative Nancy Mace embarked on a different kind of mission – a desperate race against time in a war zone.
Learning that a family from her home state of South Carolina was trapped amidst escalating conflict, Mace didn’t hesitate. She immediately traveled to the Middle East, driven by a conviction that rescuing her constituents was the only acceptable response.
The initial success – bringing that family safely home – only fueled her determination. Mace quickly partnered with Grey Bull Rescue, a Tampa-based organization comprised of seasoned military veterans specializing in crisis response, to expand the evacuation effort.
Tens of thousands of Americans found themselves stranded as flight cancellations and airspace closures choked off escape routes following Iranian counterstrikes. The situation was rapidly becoming dire, demanding immediate action.
Mace leveraged her position, working directly with the State Department to secure a chartered flight. Grey Bull Rescue provided the crucial logistical support, navigating the complexities of a volatile region to locate and assist those in need.
On Wednesday night, a wave of relief washed over dozens of American families as Mace accompanied them on a flight that touched down in Greece. It was a tangible victory in a landscape of uncertainty.
The mission, Grey Bull Rescue’s 808th, successfully evacuated 155 Americans from Israel, including eleven infants. Mace described her role simply: “They had the people but didn’t have the plane. I jumped in to assist.”
The experience left an indelible mark. Mace spoke of profound gratitude and a commitment to never forget the faces of those she helped, or the selfless dedication of the American volunteers working tirelessly on the ground.
Grey Bull Rescue isn’t new to high-stakes operations. Since 2023, the volunteer organization has extracted over 300 Americans from Israel, initially following the October 7th attacks.
Their expertise extends beyond the Middle East, having recently facilitated the escape of Americans from cartel violence in Mexico and aided in the extraction of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Venezuela.
Since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28th, over 43,000 Americans have departed the Middle East. More than 27,000 received direct assistance from the U.S. government in their evacuation.
The State Department initially advised Americans in fourteen Middle Eastern countries to leave in early February, citing escalating security threats. However, some evacuees have voiced criticism, citing a lack of clear communication and insufficient guidance during the crisis.
