On October 9, Palestinians surveyed the destruction caused by an airstrike in the El-Remal district of Gaza City (Photo: WAFA)

Volunteer Veterans from the nonprofit Special Operations Association of America, or SOAA, are currently engaged in a critical mission to evacuate hundreds of stranded Americans from Israel and Gaza as the conflict in the region escalates toward a potential ground invasion.

The SOAA, based in Washington, D.C., is collaborating with local authorities, Israeli forces, and the U.S. government to identify Americans in need of evacuation and their locations. Veteran volunteers, who possess expertise in navigating challenging areas based on their own experiences in war zones, are working tirelessly to facilitate the safe evacuation of these individuals.

SOAA has partnered with Save Our Allies, a rescue nonprofit, to help execute this massive operation. While over 200 Americans have been successfully evacuated by SOAA and its partners from the region, there remains an ongoing effort to assist hundreds more who still require evacuation from Israel and Gaza.

David Cook, the Executive Director of SOAA, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of trapped Americans, despite the inherent dangers of the situation. The security environment in the region is delicate, and evacuation efforts could become more complex if the conflict expands. The SOAA has previously helped with evacuations in Afghanistan and Ukraine, making a significant impact during the Afghanistan withdrawal. These Veteran organizations help to bridge the gap between government intervention and the bureaucratic challenges of escaping war zones, ultimately providing a lifeline for those in danger.

The U.S. Department of State and other governmental bodies are actively engaged in the evacuation process, working to find solutions for Americans stranded in Gaza. U.S. officials are also actively negotiating with Israel and Egypt to facilitate the safe passage of American citizens, dual nationals, and international organization employees. Egypt and Jordan, while wary of accepting refugees, have engaged in discussions with the U.S. as well to facilitate the safe passage of Americans through their borders.

Despite the difficulties and concerns on all sides, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of those trapped in the region. The mission to evacuate Americans from harm’s way is ongoing, with unwavering dedication from those involved.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.