A SPECIAL OPS CAUSE

Aug. 6, 2021, marked the 10th anniversary of Extortion 17— the largest single-incident loss of U.S. lives in Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Thirty-one Americans, mostly Navy SEALS from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, were killed that night when their CH-47 was shot down by the Taliban. Accompanied by Air Force Combat Controllers, Pararescue men (PJS) and Navy combat support personnel, the SEALS were in the process of responding to a quick reaction force call from the 75th Ranger Regiment—conducting a nighttime raid in Tangi Valley, Wardak Province.

The Extortion 17 incident left over 25 children without their fathers. Organizations like the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) are committed to supporting these children and their families. The SOWF provides fully funded college educations and additional educational opportunities such as “Cradle to Career” to the surviving kids of special operations forces lost in the line of duty. Additionally, SOWF provides financial support to severely wounded, ill and injured special ops personnel.

Mike Sarraille serves as an SOWF ambassador, raising money for the foundation through skydiving and adventure expeditions. He also donates 10 percent of his speaking fees to the foundation. To donate to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, visit specialops.org.