H.Res. 595

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 595 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 595

Honoring the brave men and women who participated in the Afghanistan 
evacuation in 2021 following the United States withdrawal, for their 
extraordinary efforts and exceptional service in the safe evacuation of 
over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and for other 
purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 17, 2025

Mr. Norman (for himself, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, and Mr. Weber of 
Texas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Honoring the brave men and women who participated in the Afghanistan 
evacuation in 2021 following the United States withdrawal, for their 
extraordinary efforts and exceptional service in the safe evacuation of 
over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and for other 
purposes.

Whereas the events of August 2021 marked a significant turning point in the 
history of United States engagement in Afghanistan, as the Nation 
underwent a process of withdrawal after over two decades of military 
presence;
Whereas, over the course of those 20 years, countless men and women in uniform 
made tremendous sacrifices to uphold the principles of democracy and 
freedom while also honoring the promises made to the Afghan people to 
build a safer and more prosperous country;
Whereas among these exceptional individuals were the 13 individuals who 
participated in the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, serving as a beacon 
of hope and demonstrating unwavering dedication to the ideals of the 
United States;
Whereas, when the final withdrawal was announced, Chad Robichaux knew he needed 
to act, as his combat interpreter, Azizullah Aziz, who had saved his 
life on countless occasions throughout his 8 deployments to Afghanistan 
as part of a Joint Special Operations Task Force, was now being hunted 
and targeted by the Taliban for helping him;
Whereas, determined to save his loyal friend, Chad embarked on a mission that 
would bring together 12 modern-day avengers, all Special Operations 
veterans, and 1 determined woman to drop everything and rescue Aziz and 
his family from Afghanistan, and without hesitation, each member of the 
team agreed to join the daring mission;
Whereas, in a matter of hours, Chad Robichaux assembled a team and made a 
crucial call to Sarah Verardo, the wife of a catastrophically wounded 
soldier from his service in Afghanistan, who miraculously secured their 
way to Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul, Afghanistan;
Whereas the 12-man team quickly mobilized, with Chad heading to Abu Dhabi, 
United Arab Emirates, to establish a humanitarian center for evacuees, 
and meanwhile, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, and Dave Johnson 
headed for HKIA itself, setting up a command center at HKIA and nonstop 
rescue operations amidst Taliban-controlled territory, facing immense 
danger without a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), and in just 10 days, their 
unwavering efforts led to the successful rescue of over 12,000 lives;
Whereas, even in the face of tremendous adversity, the team's dedication did not 
waver;
Whereas, despite Abbey Gate being destroyed and the gates welded shut, they 
refused to leave, and over the next 2 months, they continued their 
humanitarian efforts remotely, leading a coalition to rescue an 
additional 5,000 individuals through alternate routes around the region;
Whereas their commitment and determination made a significant difference during 
this critical time of need;
Whereas Chad Robichaux's mission did not end with the evacuation from HKIA, and 
after teaming up with Fellow Force Recon Marine and Scout Sniper, Staff 
Sergeant Dennis Price, he embarked on a grueling 10-day, 90-mile 
reconnaissance mission along the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border, 
swimming into Afghanistan every night past Taliban and Chinese soldiers 
in order to use their Special Operations experience to build evacuation 
routes for women and children still trapped in Afghanistan as Afghan 
Commandos attempted to move them to the Tajikistan border, and braving 
the treacherous terrain and encounters with foreign militaries, 
including Chinese, Russian, Tajikistan, and Taliban fighters, they 
successfully established routes that are still in use today, ensuring 
more people could find their way to safety;
Whereas the valor and courage displayed by Chad Robichaux, Dennis Price, Tim 
Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, Sarah Verardo, Joe 
Robert, Dan Stinson, Kevin Metcalf, Nick Palmisciano, Hunter Robichaux, 
and Sean Lee during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021 exemplify the 
very essence of United States promises to the Afghan people throughout 
the 20 years of war;
Whereas their actions served as a powerful testament to the unwavering loyalty 
and dedication of the United States Armed Forces, reinforcing the 
Nation's role as a beacon of hope and justice on the global stage, and 
their commitment to duty and humanity will forever be etched in the 
Congressional Record as a shining example of United States heroism;
Whereas, under the exceptional leadership of Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux, 
this remarkable team of Special Operation veterans took up the charge to 
protect and evacuate over 17,000 citizens and Afghan allies from 
Taliban-controlled Afghanistan during a time of unfathomable danger and 
uncertainty; and
Whereas these individuals have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, 
putting their own lives on the line to safeguard others, and their 
heroism deserves great honor: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives, on behalf of a 
grateful Nation, recognizes and thanks these courageous men and women 
for putting their own lives on the line and for their exemplary service 
in rescuing over 17,000 citizens and Afghan allies from unfathomable 
danger.
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