Grey Bull Rescue, founded by Bryan Stern in August 2021 during the Afghanistan withdrawal, is a nonprofit organization that specializes in high-risk extractions of individuals from dangerous situations. The organization has reportedly rescued 8,400 people across more than 40 countries, including notable operations such as the extraction of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was pursued by intelligence agencies from multiple countries.

Stern, a combat veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy, leads the organization with a hands-on approach, participating directly in missions rather than directing them from a distance. Grey Bull operates without government funding and relies on donations from private individuals, which raises questions about the sustainability of such a model in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.

The organization has been involved in various operations, including hostage rescues from conflict zones and evacuations during natural disasters. For instance, they successfully extracted Terry Gately, an American missionary tortured in Ukraine, after the U.S. State Department advised him to surrender to his captors. This incident underscores the challenges faced by individuals in crisis who often find government assistance inadequate or delayed.

Grey Bull's operational model contrasts sharply with corporate-backed crisis response services, which cater primarily to wealthier clients. The private rescue industry, including kidnap-and-ransom insurance, is a growing market, yet many individuals turn to Grey Bull as a last resort when official channels fail.

Stern's organization has faced financial constraints, with ongoing cases that they cannot afford to take on due to limited funding. This situation highlights the broader implications of relying on private entities for rescue operations in a world where state and corporate responses may not adequately address the needs of vulnerable populations.

The organization has also been involved in high-profile rescues, such as that of Kirill Alexandrov, a farmer tortured in Russia, and John Spor, a nuclear scientist targeted after the Ukraine invasion. These operations often involve navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and highlight the risks faced by individuals in conflict zones.

Overall, Grey Bull Rescue exemplifies the challenges and complexities of humanitarian efforts in a world where state and corporate mechanisms may not fully address the needs of those in peril.