As Hurricane Helene intensified into a Category 4 storm and caused historic local destruction from storm surge, Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit, headed into danger to help those who were trapped.

Known for its high-risk rescue operations in conflict zones worldwide, during Helene, the Tampa-based organization filled in where local firefighters and police couldn’t because of flooding. 

Founded three years ago by 45-year-old Bryan Stern, a Special Operations veteran, in response to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the nonprofit has conducted 619 rescue missions globally. Stern says Grey Bull Rescue has saved nearly 7,100 lives in conflict zones like Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Russia, as well as in natural disasters including 2022's Hurricane Ian and the recent wildfires in Maui.

“We’ve been to Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, Lebanon, Haiti,” Stern said. “Now, we’re focusing on our home state. This storm is personal for us.”

Grey Bull Rescue has 82 team members, including highly trained operations personnel and case managers. "There’s no 911 for us," Stern says. "We rely on word of mouth and people knowing how to find us."

This past week, as Hurricane Helene brought extreme flooding to our region, Stern and his team were on the ground. “We saved two babies, a family and two dogs in South Tampa," he says. "The house was on fire after a Tesla in the carport ignited from the saltwater flooding. The fire department couldn’t get there, but we could. We walked through the water with inflatable kayaks to get [the family] out.” 

Of the people they save, Stern says, “most are in shock from the situation. Nobody hopes to be rescued. It's not pleasant or fun or cool and it’s usually the beginning of a bad chapter of your life. The family we rescued is extremely thankful and happy to be alive—but they don't own a pair of underwear right now.”

Grey Bull Rescue’s operations often begin when local authorities are overwhelmed or restricted. "We don’t just roll around looking for trouble," Stern says. "We stay focused and go where we’re needed most. It’s why we’ve become a last resort for many."

As Hurricane Helene moved up the coast, the Grey Bull Rescue team continued to respond to requests for help, including those from residents on Siesta Key, which is devastated by storm surge and flooding.

"By Saturday, the situation shifted from rescue to recovery," Stern says. "We’re helping clear debris and making sure people are safe."

The organization is also managing international rescue efforts. While responding to Hurricane Helene, Grey Bull Rescue is deploying resources to Beirut, continuing its global mission to rescue civilians. “We’re not restricted by bureaucratic red tape," Stern says. For example, after a recent incident broke out, "the fire department wanted to respond, but some bureaucrat said no. We don’t have that issue—we answer only to the families we help,” he explains.

Despite its international presence, Grey Bull Rescue relies on grassroots donations to fund its operations. “We don’t get government funding, so we rely on [the public's] support,” Stern says. “We’re the last resort, not the first option. When we show up, it’s because everyone else said no. If you know you can help people and they’re in trouble, it’s your duty to step up.”

And, he emphasizes, Grey Bull Rescue is driven by a commitment to people, not politics. “We’re non-political. Our team is made up of people from all walks of life—veterans, civilians, men, women, Christians, Jews, Muslims, everyone. We’re united by one thing: helping people when they need it most.”

One of his takeaways from hurricane-related operations is that if you're flooded—and you're safe—don't go anywhere. "Wait for the water to go away," Stern says. "A lot of people venture out and trip and fall because they can't see what’s under the water. Sometimes they break an ankle or get injured and need professional help that [isn't accessible].”

Up next: Grey Bull Rescue is poised to start a for-profit company and help other companies build evacuation plans “from places when things go wrong."

"We've broken Americans out of Russian jails a dozen times, so it makes sense,” he says. All in a day's work.

Those in need of assistance can register for help at Grey Bull Rescue’s website, make donations or click here to volunteer.