Football legend Tim Tebow and his foundation recently collaborated with a nonprofit team of veteran commandos to evacuate dozens of disabled orphans from Haiti, a nation facing danger and famine. Although the operation successfully relocated 59 children to safety in Jamaica, thousands of others remain trapped in the troubled country. Tebow’s foundation worked with the Sentinel Foundation, which assisted in evacuating Americans from Afghanistan in 2021, to orchestrate this rescue mission. The cooperation between the two foundations, along with the guidance of Rep. Cory Mills, played a crucial role in providing operational support and funding for this mission.
However, the changing conditions in Haiti made planning this operation challenging, as the US and host nations imposed rapidly changing restrictions. Despite these obstacles, Austin Holmes, Sentinel’s Operations Officer, emphasized the need for a streamlined response to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The absence of a functioning Haitian government further complicated matters, requiring bureaucratic paperwork to meet U.S. diplomatic requirements. The crime situation in Haiti worsened following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, leading to increased gang control in the country.
Tebow, known for his charitable work and humanitarian efforts, alerted Sentinel to the urgent situation in Haiti, prompting the mission to evacuate the disabled orphans. Having no certainty about their destination after encountering obstacles in the Dominican Republic, the Sentinel team utilized various methods – land, sea, and air – to ensure the children’s safe evacuation. While the team lacked the opportunity for practice drills due to the operation’s fluid nature, their collective experience in rescue missions, including operations in Afghanistan, guided their successful execution of the rescue.
The U.S. State Department also participated in evacuating American citizens from Haiti, providing government-chartered flights for over 230 individuals. Additional forces were flown in to enhance security and evacuate non-essential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, located in a region largely dominated by gangs. The ongoing crisis has left thousands of children in Haiti, affiliated with American-run nonprofit organizations, vulnerable and without leadership. Despite the challenges, the joint efforts of various organizations, including Tebow’s foundation and Sentinel, continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of those most at risk in Haiti.
As the situation in Haiti remains dire, with widespread violence and instability, the need for sustained humanitarian aid and international cooperation is crucial to address the crisis. The collaborative efforts of organizations like Tebow’s foundation and the Sentinel Foundation serve as a beacon of hope for those affected by the turmoil in Haiti. By leveraging their expertise in rescue operations and committing to the rescue of vulnerable populations, these organizations exemplify the spirit of compassion and solidarity needed in times of crisis. Though many challenges lie ahead, the determination and dedication of these entities offer a glimmer of optimism for a brighter future for the people of Haiti.
