Task Force Antal

Category: Afghanistan

  • HELP BRING HOPE HOME

    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. 

    Donate

    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!

  • Afghan Hero’s Ongoing Battle For Safety

    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. 

    Donate

    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!
  • Remembering 9/11, Those Who Served and are Still Serving

    Remembering 9/11, Those Who Served and are Still Serving

    September 11th, 2001 changed the lives of many, and for some, led them to embark on a journey to fight against violent extremism and terrorism. “We all knew at that point that our endless training exercises and capabilities demonstrations were over, and we would soon be preparing for combat deployment. TFA allows me to touch my former life in a way and gives me a new reason to plan and “deploy” to an area where the people need help,” recalled one TFA volunteer. 

    TFA has provided a path for many former soldiers to continue serving and fight to protect those who need it throughout the world. One such soldier, John, dedicated over 20 years to the military, many as part of an elite special forces unit. Now, as a founder of TFA, he uses his knowledge and experience to help others. “September 11th changed my life, as it did for us all. Volunteering in Ukraine teaching medical classes to civilians in high-risk areas is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” John noted. 

    We aim to empower veterans to continue using their courage and expertise to help those who desperately need it.

  • Mark and Christine Antal of Task Force Antal Honored with Still Serving Awards

    Mark and Christine Antal of Task Force Antal Honored with Still Serving Awards

    The Antals were honored by the United Veterans War Council for Humanitarian Work in Ukraine and Afghanistan in a private ceremony on 1oth November, 2022 and again on the Today Show NBC on 11th November 2022 (Veteran´s Day)

    NEW YORK CITY (November 14, 2022)—In honor of their life-saving humanitarian work in Ukraine and Afghanistan, Task Force Antal co-founders Mark Antal, a decorated former Green Beret and member of Delta Force, and his wife Christine Antal, a former Army lawyer, were recognized with a Still Serving Award from the United Veterans War Council  (UVWC) in conjunction with Veteran’s Day.

    The award, given to veterans who exemplify ongoing service after they leave the military, was presented by Mark Otto, president and Executive Director of UVWC, who is himself a US Marine Corps Veteran of the Panama invasion and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The presentation took place on the Plaza of The Today Show, which did a feature story on Task Force Antal (visit www.bit.ly/3tv3Rcz  ).

    “On behalf of the United War Veterans Council and the New York City Veterans Parade, it is my great privilege and honor to present this 2022 Still Serving Award for outstanding service to our country and the veteran’s community,” Otto said in presenting the award to Mark Antal who was accompanied by Christine and their three daughters.  Otto presented a second Still Serving Award to Christine Antal, an army veteran, co-founder of Task Force Antal, and the family’s “commander.”

    Headquartered in New York with offices and logistical hubs in Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine, Task Force Antal began in 2021 when Mark and Christine helped a friend evacuate his interpreter from Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal. Since then, it has leveraged its depth of knowledge and vast network to evacuate more than 2000 people from Afghanistan, become part of the Afghan Evacuation Coalition, and continue to support 1800 people on the ground awaiting unification and resettlement, including 1300 family members of active US Citizen soldiers.

    Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Task Force Antal has added humanitarian work to its portfolio, tapping a network of more than 60 veterans , who deliver food, medicine, critical trauma equipment,  transport, and temporary housing, as well as delivering supplies for NGOs and NPOs who are unable to enter war zones.

    The Antals are uniquely suited for this work. Since retiring in 2015 after more than 30 years of decorated service in the U.S. Special Forces, Mark has provided risk and crisis management services, counter-terrorism, and training and extraction services for various clients, and serves as the inaugural Ambassador for the Special Forces Charitable Trust. His awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars with Valor, four Bronze Stars, a Joint Service Commendation with Valor, and two Purple Hearts. Christine, an attorney, served over 14 years as a National Security legal advisor, spending six years as the primary Legal Advisor on Ukraine and Security Assistance at U.S. Army Europe from 2015-2021. 

    “We can’t stand back and let this happen when we have an opportunity to assist,” said Mark Antal in accepting the award. “Veterans want to help, and elite special operations veterans have the skills and expertise to provide life-saving service in conflict zones where others cannot go.”

    “This is democracy in action, said Christina Antal.  “We’re not going to be complacent, and we’re not going to be observers.  This is vital humanitarian work, and veterans are willing and able to make a difference.”

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    About Task Force Antal:

    A registered nonprofit in the U.S. (501c3), Hungary, and Ukraine, TFA is headquartered in New York City while maintaining offices in Hungary, Poland and Ukraine to best serve the people who need us most. It empowers elite special operations veterans to use their skills to continue their dedicated work after the military and provide life-saving services and support to those who need it most in conflict zones where others cannot or dare not go. Comprised of  Tier One Operators, medics, intelligence analysts, handlers, legal advisors, national security professionals, and logistical staff across the globe, Task Force Antal specializes in providing safe evacuation support, humanitarian aid, and complex crisis management solutions for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, allies, and their families in the most conflict-ridden parts of the world where others cannot or dare not go. Its ability to come to the rescue of those in greatest need is based solely on independent contributions. It receives no government funding, and its team takes no salary. To learn more or make a tax-free donation, www.taskforceantal.org

    About the United War Veterans Council:

    The United War Veterans Council, Inc. (UWVC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that honors and serves veterans. The UWVC supports and promotes a wide range of initiatives that provide vital services to our veterans community (including health, wellness and education); raises positive awareness and increases public understanding of the needs of our veterans community through major public events and promotional activities; and brings together veterans groups, community organizations, government agencies, businesses of all sizes and the general public. For more information, visit www.uwvc.org  and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

  • Today Show NBC: Antal Family and Task Force Antal Featured on Veteran´s Day

    Today Show NBC: Antal Family and Task Force Antal Featured on Veteran´s Day

    Thank you to Today Show producers and hosts for the opportunity to share our mission with your viewers, and for helping to spread awareness about the important work and the lives our volunteers and donors are supporting through our Ukraine and Afghanistan programs. It was an honor.

    “Veterans and married couple Mark and Christine Antal’s sense of honor and duty compelled them to take on a new mission where they provide aid to Ukraine and Afghanistan. NBC’s Cynthia McFadden reports for TODAY.”

    Watch the segment.

  • Task Force Antal Afghanistan Volunteer Highlight: P.

    Task Force Antal Afghanistan Volunteer Highlight: P.

    We spoke with Task Force Antal Volunteer P.* about her time with the project, and what it means to be an advocate handler for families of U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those who qualify for special immigration visas working through the immigration system and waiting period to be brought out of Afghanistan safely and lawfully.

    *As our volunteers put themselves at risk as direct liaisons to families targeted by the Taliban regime, their names have been withheld for security purposes.

    What is your role with Task Force Antal? 
     
    Originally, I helped coordinate the volunteers into various groups and acted as the liaison between leadership and the advocates assigned to each evacuee family, and I also helped with flushing out the org charts and some of the processes in the beginning. Now, I still work as part of the advocate team, the “handlers” as we are called. 
     
    What motivated you to become a volunteer with TFA? 
     
    I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling the way I did watching Afghans cling to the wheels of a C17. Suddenly I had coworkers approaching me about their Afghan counterparts. I was added to a chat with a colleague who had just redeployed from Afghanistan and we started flushing out ideas of how to get his interpreter out. It really just happened naturally; we were Task Force Antal before we were Task Force Antal. 
     
    What is the best part about volunteering with TFA? 
     
    The smiling faces of the kiddos reunited with their parents. 
     
     
    How do you feel after you’ve helped family members get safely to the states? 

    I smile, then remember the work isn’t done. On to the next. 
     
     
    What have you learned as a result of volunteering with Task Force Antal? 
     
    I am a proud American. There’s nothing a group of vets cannot do when they’re organized behind the right mission. 
     
     
    What do you want others to know about our organization? 
     
    We aren’t reckless cowboys. Rule of law and national policy are foundational principles. Safety first and always. 

    Is there anything that has surprised you related to your volunteer experience? 
     
    How small the universe is. Also, if we don’t remember the past we are bound to repeat it.  

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    If you´d like to join our team as a donor helping to protect, house, and transport those left behind by the U.S. withdrawal, we welcome your contribution. Please visit our Campaign #StillThereAFGH.