MMA veteran honored for evacuating 17,000 people out of Afghanistan

We always hear how true martial artists are willing to put their lives on the line just to win.
But there are those who are also willing to sacrifice their lives to save other people’s lives.

Not everyone would leave their comfortable lives to set on a perilous journey to Afghanistan. But Chad Robichaux didn’t hesitate to do so. This came after discovering his long time friend Azis, an Afghan interpreter that was left behind in the war-ravaged country.

Robichaux was a Former Force Recon Marine, DoD Contractor and Legacy FC competitor. When he learned the status of his close friend he didn’t hesitate to embark on a mission to save his friend. And this mission also became an inspiration to help save a thousand more.

Robichaux used his resourcefulness to assemble a team of volunteers from the Navy SEALs, Delta Force, and other special operations squadrons. Active-duty personnel are not allowed to participate due to military restrictions.

After the groundwork, the US government gave him and his team the go signal. And the rest was history.

Robichaux then posted on his social media about the successful evacuation of his friend Azis.

“After 8 long months, my friend Aziz is finally on American soil. Aziz is like family to me, saving my life many times over during our time serving in Afghanistan. Aziz embodies the American spirit and I cannot wait to get home, wrap my arms around the big guy and do life with him and his family!”

In light of these efforts he received recognition from the United States Congress for his determination and successful campaign. The rescue operation estimated 17,000 people evacuated Taliban territory.

Robichaux detailed the events of this rescue in his book titled “Saving Aziz: How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban”. The book will be available next year on January 17 2023.
Robichaux served in the United States Marine Corps, going on eight deployments in Afghanistan. Unfortunately this caused him to develop PTSD. But MMA was one of the things that helped him overcome his PTSD.