Local aviation company assists in bringing home Americans and allies from Afghanistan

Staff Reports

SAN MARCOS— The “official” evacuation of Americans out of Afghanistan ended Aug. 31, but it left thousands of Americans and allies behind, putting them and their families at risk due to the new Taliban government. Project DYNAMO, a group of military and special operations veterans, has been working behind the scenes to help rescue those stranded back to the United States.

On Saturday, Project DYNAMO and their partner Berry Aviation, Inc., a holding company of Acorn Growth Companies, brought home 47 U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) from Afghanistan, including more than a dozen children, one being 11-months old.

“It is fundamentally important to me and all of the folks involved with Project DYNAMO that we follow through on America’s commitment to never leave a person behind, which is why we are doing what we’re doing,” said Bryan Stern, co-founder of Project DYNAMO. “After a few very tough months, I’m proud to say we again kept our promise to help those stranded bringing our countrymen from Kabul to CONUS.”

Recently, the Taliban government has been making flights like these difficult, sometimes allowing one or two flights a week, but with no consistency. Project DYNAMO has been working closely to find and offer flights or other ways of transportation to U.S. citizens, LPRs and allies.

To date, more than 2,000 Americans and LPRs have been rescued from Afghanistan by Project DYNAMO by air and land, safely and legally. Their work has been privately funded through donations from fellow veterans, service members and their families, as well as people around the world. Saturday’s flight was one of the latest opportunities American citizens had to leave the country.

“These 47 Americans and LPRs have been trying to return home since August and are now home for the holidays,” said Stern. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of partners like Berry Aviation to bring home these American Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who belong home in America.”

Berry Aviation, Inc., an American charter airline based in San Marcos, Texas, provided aviation related costs of the evacuation. The company has been working the last few months to be helpful in the effort and has been working in the region for over a decade.

“We truly are committed to ‘no American left behind’, and we’re proud of our work today to bring these Americans to safety,” said Stan Finch, president of Berry Aviation, Inc. “These are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and we’ll continue to support Project DYNAMO until every Citizen, LPR, and ally who supported the U.S. is safe.”

“We are humbled and honored to support the incredible work of Project DYNAMO with Berry Aviation,” said Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn Growth Companies. “Our mission is focused on supporting companies who help keep our nation safe. These 47 Americans and LPRs embody our nation’s values, and I’m incredibly proud that we could play a role in helping them come home.”

Project DYNAMO is a pending 501(c)(3) not-for-profit conflict zone rescue organization formed in response to the fall of Afghanistan in August of 2021. Project DYNAMO safely and legally evacuates American Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents of the U.S. and visa holders, in addition to citizens and LPRs of allied nations and vulnerable populations from Afghanistan to safety.

Project DYNAMO is led by highly experienced combat veterans from the intelligence and special operations communities and is funded entirely by generous donors. For more information, to register, or to donate, please visit www.projectdynamo.org.

Berry Aviation, Inc. is a trusted leader in private aviation, with a portfolio of parts and services that includes Government, Private Charter, both Scheduled and On-Demand Freight, Maintenance, and FBO operations. Since its founding in 1983, BAI has grown into a dynamic company with a focus on providing innovative solutions within the Aerospace industry that increase value for customers and end-users.

Headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, the company has the knowledge, experience, and manpower necessary to operate on short notice with safe, high quality aviation services. More information on the company’s awards, services, certification, history, and industry leadership here.

Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence.  Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace & Defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors.

With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders.