Task Force Antal, Author at Task Force Antal

Winter is Coming

The recent overnight drone strike carried out by the Russian military in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, near the local nuclear power plant, resulted in explosions that caused significant damage, including shattered windows in administrative, laboratory, and residential structures. The incident led to a power outage due to the destruction of power lines, adversely affecting 1,860 consumers in the cities of Slavuta and Netishyn.

These events are part of a larger pattern, as Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have already incurred more than 10 billion dollars in damages. This widespread destruction has disrupted access to essential resources such as electricity, water, and heating. As another harsh winter approaches, Ukrainians once again face the looming threat of life-threatening freezing temperatures without proper access to these vital resources.

Task Force Antal (TFA) has committed to providing critical resources to these vulnerable communities. Thanks to our generous supporters, we are able to address shortfalls not covered in the nation-to-nation aid packages. Just today another 1000 pounds of first aid supplies arrived at one of our warehouses and we will be continue to train Ukrainian power station employees, with the invaluable assistance of knowledgeable special operations veterans and our host nation partners, to ensure the continued operation and resilience of the energy infrastructure.

November 30, 2023

HELP BRING HOPE HOME

Join the mission to reunite US Special Forces Hero, Cleveland, with His Family Still Facing The Taliban

In August 2021, during the air evacuation, US Special Forces veterans aided Afghan Green Beret “Cleveland,” a graduate of the US Army’s Special Forces Qualification Course, and his friend, ‘Rayi’, a Special Forces interpreter, to escape the Taliban from Kabul. In the chaos, Cleveland and Rayi were separated from their families and in retaliation for Cleveland’s service to the US and the Afghan government, the Taliban continues to deny his wife and children departure from Afghanistan.

Cleveland’s asylum application was recently granted, marking a pivotal moment which has provided him the mental and legal stability to start his life in the US. This approval not only enables him to embark on a new chapter of his life in the United States, but also serves as a gateway to establish a legal foundation for reunification with his family. Despite consistently working multiple minimum-wage jobs, Cleveland is diligently pursuing a career in the trucking industry where he recently completed the CDL drivers’ course. His aspiration extends beyond personal success, as he endeavors to not only sustain himself but also provide financial support for his wife and children, who remain in Afghanistan, facing ongoing fear for their lives.

TFA has been assisting Cleveland’s wife and four-year-old son in receiving several critical requirements to legally depart Afghanistan. Due to some unfortunate setbacks and security complications with the Taliban, Cleveland’s six-year-old daughter is still missing the required documents. Cleveland’s family still remains in hiding as security risks and safety considerations remain.

TFA remains dedicated to overcoming the challenges involved in acquiring the necessary documents for Cleveland’s young daughter so that they may depart Afghanistan and be reunited. Due to his status as an Afghan Special Forces Officer who enlisted under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) in August 2021, Cleveland’s wife and children have multiple valid immigration avenues for reunification, particularly after the US airlifts and withdrawal. The most secure and expedient route is to move the family to a third country outside of Afghanistan, where a US Embassy or Consulate will issue visas, enabling the family to then secure direct commercial flights to the US. While this approach promises the swiftest and most secure reunion, it does come with associated costs, including visa fees, several months of living expenses, and flights to the US. Nevertheless, TFA is diligently working alongside Cleveland’s family to finalize the remaining conditions for his departure from Afghanistan. Once these prerequisites are met, TFA will collaborate with various US Government immigration entities to establish a lawful avenue for the family’s reunion in the United States.

Prior to TFA’s assistance, Cleveland had lost all hope of reuniting with his family. Despite exhausting every option to overcome Taliban interference and secure his family’s departure, he found himself stuck. The bottom line is, he’s surviving, not thriving. He’s holding minimum wage jobs and barely making ends meet to support his family stuck in Afghanistan. Cleveland is deeply grateful for the support and now feels optimistic that he will be reunited with his wife and children. They have been apart for over two years. Without your support, his family would not be this far in the process of unification. TFA looks forward to further updates with more positive news in the near future.

We have a critical mission: to raise $25,000 in support of Afghan refugees who have been hiding from the Taliban for the past two years, since the last US Soldier left the country. Your donation today can make a life-changing difference. For every contribution you make, a generous TFA donor will match it dollar for dollar, amplifying your impact. This is not just a donation; it’s a lifeline for those who have been living in fear and uncertainty and threat of death, our allies! Help us reach our goal and provide essential aid, protection, and hope to these vulnerable individuals and families. Your action can turn the tide of despair into hope. Donate now and double your impact!

November 22, 2023

Afghan Hero’s Ongoing Battle For Safety

Meet M (full name redacted for his security), a former member of the Special Forces in the Afghan National Army Commando Corps, who served diligently alongside the US Military for nearly a decade. M is among the 2,000 individuals who Task Force Antal (TFA) assisted in their lawful and secure evacuation from Afghanistan to escape the Taliban’s grasp. “TFA is 100% responsible for saving his life in Afghanistan and getting him across the border and setup where he is now,” said Clint Brown, US Army Battalion Commander. But, it’s our donor’s unwavering support and generosity that have made stories like M’s possible. Unfortunately, M’s journey to safety is far from over, and he still needs your help.

Currently residing in Pakistan, M and his wife are facing the imminent threat of deportation as their visas have expired. Despite embarking on dangerous journeys to Afghanistan twice to renew their visas, the financial burden of the mandatory 90-day renewal process has become insurmountable. M and his wife eat one meal a day, live in a house with no furniture, and sleep on concrete floors. Although they are physically safe from the Taliban, they grapple with the dire lack of basic necessities for survival. They make carpet, which allows them to live in their home, but with expired visas, the landlord has given them one more week of safety in Pakistan.

M and his wife have been approved for a P1 through the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). But in the very best-case scenario, this process takes a minimum of 12-18 months. It is vital to note that P1 referrals do not equate to visa applications, they are merely the gateway to the USRAP once an individual can depart Afghanistan.

M is one of the many Afghan interpreters, soldiers, and civilians who bravely fought alongside US troops during the conflict in Afghanistan and played a crucial role in supporting American military efforts. Their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the mission not only contributed to the safety of US troops but also exemplified the strength of the Afghan people’s resilience. We owe safety to M and his wife. Task Force Antal worked hard to make sure that they were initially able to reach safety, but their journey to safety is far from complete.

Please consider making a donation today to support heroes like M and his wife on their path to safety and a better life. Your kindness and compassion truly make a difference, and we are grateful for your ongoing commitment to this cause. Every penny makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us and making these stories of hope and resilience possible. Together, we can provide a lifeline for those who sacrificed so much for a brighter future.

We have a critical mission: to raise $25,000 in support of Afghan refugees who have been hiding from the Taliban for the past two years, since the last US Soldier left the country. Your donation today can make a life-changing difference. For every contribution you make, a generous TFA donor will match it dollar for dollar, amplifying your impact. This is not just a donation; it’s a lifeline for those who have been living in fear and uncertainty and threat of death, our allies! Help us reach our goal and provide essential aid, protection, and hope to these vulnerable individuals and families. Your action can turn the tide of despair into hope. Donate now and double your impact!

November 21, 2023

Veteran’s Day 2023 Recap

Task Force Antal Founders, Mark and Christine Antal had a weekend full of celebrating the service of veterans, their dedication to our country and the continued fight for freedom. The weekend started off with a presentation at Bedford Middle School, Christine’s Alma Mater, where Mark and Christine spoke about their service, shared about life in the military, and provided the students with an opportunity to try on body armor. The weekend festivities continued with the USMC Ball at Union League Club and marching in the Veteran’s Day parade.

November 17, 2023

Beyond the Battlefield: Joe O. and the Unyielding Commitment of Veterans

Joe O. enlisted in the Marine Corps at the young age of 17 and found himself in boot camp when the tragic events of September 11th unfolded. Today, he dedicates his time to supporting fellow veterans as a Veterans Representative at a New York college. In his leisure time, he generously volunteers for Task Force Antal.

Joe’s commitment to his beliefs has led him to support Ukraine in any way he can. In his own words, “Helping Ukraine is a choice, and it is all my choice. That makes a difference to me and my need to serve and help other people.” Joe invested the entirety of his vacation hours in aiding TFA in Ukraine, where he actively enhanced security measures and provided crucial first-aid training for Ukrainian civilians. When asked why he gave up his vacation to help others, Joe’s response was: “Helping for me is like breathing.”

Living up to the Marine he aspires to be, he quipped, “my primary duty is the disbursement of GI bill funds and educational benefits for veterans. That is what I do on a day-to-day basis. Which always amuses me when I think, again, I support and help Task Force Antal in my free time. That is what I do for fun.” We thank Joe for his continued service and the positive energy he brings to the TFA team.

TFA’s veterans and veteran family members ensure that their commitment to service endures beyond their military duty. Our veterans continue their service to become guardians of peace, defenders of justice, and promoters of freedom. Their expertise is harnessed to protect the oppressed, challenge injustice, and uphold human rights.

In this fusion of support and protection, veterans exemplify a lifelong mission. Their service transcends borders, illustrating that the call to support and protect those in need is an enduring commitment. These veterans are living proof that duty and honor, born on the battlefield, continue to serve humanity long after the guns fall silent.

John, participants, hands on tourniquet training 2

Reenacting John, Andy, tourniquet training

Reenacting John, hands on trauma training 2

John, participant, hands on tourniquet training 2

November 10, 2023

Innovations in Special Operations at GSOF 2023

The Task Force Antal team showcased their work at the 2023 Global Special Operations Forces Symposium (GSOF) in Brno, Czechia. GSOF provided a crucial opportunity for international Special Operations stakeholders to collaborate and discuss various aspects of their field.

Task Force Antal, comprised of highly trained and elite Special Operations veterans, joined forces with their corporate sponsor, 13 Lines LLC, to highlight their capabilities and work in Eastern Europe. Task Force Antal showcased their humanitarian action programs focused on bringing lifesaving training and supplies across Ukraine. This collaboration exemplified the interconnected nature of the Special Operations community and emphasized the importance of cooperation and innovation in addressing the evolving challenges faced by SOF units worldwide.

Corporate partner, RevMedX, also joined the team and showcased their revolutionary hemostatic devices, called XSTAT. XSTAT stops life-threatening bleeding from non-compressible junctional and narrow entrance extremity wounds. It works by injecting small, rapidly-expanding sponges into a wound cavity using a syringe-like applicator. Once inside the cavity, the sponges absorb blood and expand up to 10 times their size, packing the wound and applying hemostatic pressure to stop bleeding within seconds.

GSOF 2023 reinforced the idea that, in an increasingly interconnected world, the collective efforts of SOF stakeholders are essential for addressing complex and ever-evolving security challenges and global issues.

November 2, 2023

Author: Task Force Antal