Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced on Mar. 12 that she traveled to Israel to assist in the evacuation of a South Carolina family stranded in an active war zone, ultimately helping to bring home 155 Americans with the support of Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit.
The rescue mission highlights the risks faced by Americans abroad during escalating conflicts and underscores efforts by both government officials and private organizations to ensure their safety.
Mace said, “I left Israel last night on a flight full of Americans. I originally went because there was a South Carolina family who was stranded. And because when your people are stranded in a war zone, the only answer worthy of the office – worthy of our state – worthy of our country – is to get them out.” She added, “There are those who govern from a distance – who weigh the optics or wait for the situation to resolve itself – and then there are those who get on a plane. I am the person who has always gotten on the plane.” Mace also noted her gratitude for being able to help: “Today I am grateful. And I will never forget what I saw. What I learned. And the Americans who volunteered and who are serving our nation patriotically.”
Bryan Stern, Founder and Chairman of Grey Bull Rescue, said, “Last night, we evacuated yet another plane full of Americans trapped in Israel held at risk by Iranian missiles and drones. To date, in this war alone, we have rescued 591 Americans.” Stern continued, “With the help of Congresswoman Nancy Mace and in close coordination with the U.S. State Department, just last night we evacuated 155 Americans out of an active war zone. Congresswoman Mace was fully embedded with our team, not to watch, but to work to save lives.”
Nancy Mace is currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing South Carolina’s 1st district after replacing Joe Cunningham in 2021 according to official records. She previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020 as reported by legislative biographies. Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1977 and now residing in Charleston, Mace graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999.
Stern also thanked colleagues at the State Department for their efforts: “Thank you as well to our colleagues at State Department. Specifically, U.S. Embassy Amman and U.S. Embassy Jerasulem… While policies may be problematic, the consular officers work day and night for Americans.”
The broader implications point toward ongoing challenges for American citizens caught overseas during international crises and highlight cooperation between elected officials and rescue organizations.
