Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) reintroduced the Save Our Allies Congressional Gold Medal Act, a bill to award one of the nation's highest civilian honors, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the brave Americans who risked their lives during the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan. The bill recognizes Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, and Dennis Price for their extraordinary valor and unwavering commitment in rescuing more than 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

“The disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Biden wasn’t just a policy failure—it was a moral one,” said Rep. Norman. “It left our allies to fend for themselves and endangered countless American lives. When our government fell short amid the chaos, American heroes like Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, and the Save Our Allies team stepped up and risked everything to rescue over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled territory.”

In the chaotic days following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Chad Robichaux, an eight-time Afghanistan combat veteran and former Force Recon Marine, received a desperate plea from his former interpreter, Aziz, who had saved Chad’s life on multiple occasions. Knowing Aziz’s life was now in imminent danger, Chad sprang into action. Alongside fellow veterans and patriots, he co-founded Save Our Allies, a grassroots operation that grew from a mission to save one man to an operation that rescued thousands.

With assistance from private partners and limited support from the U.S. government, including access to a hangar and ramp space, Save Our Allies organized and executed a daring evacuation that brought thousands to safety. In just ten days, a twelve-member team managed to rescue 12,000 Afghans, and by the end of the mission, more than 17,000 lives had been saved.

“This operation embodies the very best of America,” continued Norman. “When our institutions failed, it was our citizens—veterans, patriots, and everyday heroes—who stepped up and delivered. Their courage, conviction, and compassion reflect the very best of this country. They deserve not only our gratitude, but our nation’s highest honors.”

The bill includes a detailed findings section chronicling the high-risk missions and harrowing circumstances these Americans navigated during the operation. Congressman Norman is calling on his colleagues in the House to join in recognizing these heroes through this long-overdue honor.