From Battlefield to Rescue Missions: Bryan Stern’s Journey with Grey Bull Rescue
In the world of high-stakes rescue missions, few names stand out as prominently as Bryan Stern, the Chairman and Founder of Grey Bull Rescue. A decorated U.S. Army and Navy combat veteran, 9/11 first responder, and Purple Heart recipient, Stern has conducted over 728 missions, rescuing more than 7,000 people worldwide. His journey—from serving in the military and intelligence operations to leading life-saving missions in conflict zones and disaster areas—is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
In a recent episode of VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we had the honor of sitting down with Stern to discuss his transition from military service to entrepreneurship and how Grey Bull Rescue has become a beacon of hope in the darkest corners of the world.
Navigating Military Transition: Finding Purpose Beyond Service
The transition from military to civilian life is often filled with uncertainty, but for Stern, it was a natural progression. Having spent much of his military career as an intelligence officer, he was already accustomed to working with civilian industries and businesses.
“I wasn’t as isolated as so many people are,” Stern explained. “I worked alone a lot, so when I transitioned, it wasn’t as difficult for me as it is for others.”
Like many transitioning veterans, Stern initially turned to consulting, a common path for intelligence professionals. He built a successful consulting business, leveraging his experience and networks to help clients navigate complex security challenges. However, he knew deep down that he was meant to do more.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Drive to Build Something Bigger
Stern’s entrepreneurial journey was fueled by his passion for problem-solving and his innate ability to build networks. “I’ve always liked to build things,” he shared. “I always like to build networks, to go places, make friends, and get them to make more friends.”
Rather than following a traditional path of government contracting, Stern sought to create something impactful on his own terms. His strong work ethic—spending 18 to 19 hours a day working—set the foundation for what would later become Grey Bull Rescue.
The Harsh Realities of Entrepreneurship
While entrepreneurship offers freedom, it also comes with immense challenges. Stern highlighted some of the biggest struggles, particularly in the nonprofit space.
“In the nonprofit world, 95% or more of organizations are completely full of crap,” he stated bluntly. “The competition has more money than us, and people lie, cheat, and manipulate to gain funding.”
As a veteran and leader, Stern operates Grey Bull Rescue like a military task force—structured, disciplined, and mission-oriented. However, running a nonprofit comes with a different set of challenges, especially when tough decisions must be made about personnel.
“I’m a loyalty guy,” he admitted. “When you run things like a unit, it’s tough to separate the personal from the professional when you have to let people go.”
The Birth of Grey Bull Rescue: Answering the Call
The inspiration for Grey Bull Rescue came in August 2021, during the fall of Afghanistan. As a 9/11 first responder, Stern was preparing a keynote speech for the 20th anniversary of the attacks when he saw images of Afghans falling from C-17 planes on the news. At that moment, he knew he couldn’t just sit back and watch.
“I’m not going to be a spectator,” he said. “I have friends in Afghanistan. I knew I had to do something.”
Leveraging his intelligence background and global network, Stern quickly assembled a team to help save Americans and Afghan allies. What was meant to be a short-term mission evolved into an organization that continues to conduct missions worldwide.
What Grey Bull Rescue Does
Grey Bull Rescue operates in environments where the U.S. government is unable or unwilling to intervene. Their missions have taken them to Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, Israel, Lebanon, Haiti, and the United States, conducting missions in active war zones, disaster-stricken areas, and hostage situations.
“Our niche is going where others won’t,” Stern explained. “We were the first to land an aircraft in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. We rescued over 117 Americans in September 2021 and later broke our own record by evacuating 293 American citizens from Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks.”
Their operations range from evacuating war crime victims to conducting jailbreaks to save Americans imprisoned by foreign powers. “We’ve broken 12 people out of Russian jails,” Stern noted. “That’s more than any government agency has ever done.”
The Human Cost
The work Grey Bull Rescue does is high-risk, requiring significant resources, logistical expertise, and courage. Stern and his team often find themselves on the front lines, dealing with life-or-death situations.
“We deal with hostages, rape victims, and families caught in war zones every day,” he shared. “It takes a toll, but the mission comes first.”
Despite the risks, Stern remains committed to the cause, guided by the principle that no one should be left behind. “We have a union rule: we buy one-way tickets. We don’t come home until they come home.”
How to Support
Grey Bull Rescue is entirely donor-funded, relying on the generosity of individuals who believe in their mission. Unlike government-backed agencies, they operate independently, allowing them to act swiftly in emergencies.
“We can’t do this for free,” Stern said. “Every mission, requires funding. If you want to support what we do, visit graybullrescue.org and consider making a donation.”
Final Thoughts: The Power of Taking Action
Bryan Stern’s story is a testament to the power of action. Instead of standing by, he chose to step up, leveraging his skills and experience to make a real impact in the world. His journey from military intelligence officer to entrepreneur to humanitarian demonstrates the importance of adaptability, resilience, and commitment to a greater cause.
For veterans looking to transition, his advice is simple: “If you’re going to pour your time and energy into something, make sure it’s something you truly believe in.”
At VET S.O.S., we are honored to share stories like Bryan’s and highlight the incredible work being done by veteran entrepreneurs. Don’t forget to check out our podcast on your favorite platforms, follow us on social media, and stay connected for more inspiring stories.
And as always—Remember, don’t drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.
