Who did we leave behind in the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan? How are we looking for interpreters and other civilians who aided US efforts throughout the GWOT? What is the status of visa process?
These are all questions Brock dives into with Mikael Cook, the author of the upcoming book Life and Death at Abbey Gate. Mikael's book recounts the story of his relationship with Abdul and Mohammad, two Afghanis he met while deployed, and his involvement in #DigitalDunkirk, an underground communication channel between those on the ground in country and people in the US working to evacuate essential personnel.
Episode Resources:
Mikael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikaelcook89
Preorder on book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Death-Abbey-Gate-Afghanistan/dp/1636243967
Show Notes:
0:00 Afghanistan war experiences and writing a book
2:09 Military service and deployment
10:23 Evacuation failures in Afghanistan
15:22 State Department inconsistencies
20:04 Immigration policy
26:21 Digital Dunkirk and citizen-led rescue efforts during Afghanistan crisis
28:56 The role of social media in the unfolding of a true story
34:22 Using social media for good in the military
40:02 Immigration visa process for Afghan allies after US withdrawal
42:44 Afghanistan's current situation and resistance efforts
53:35 Military service, heroism, and patriotism
57:59 Book release
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The Scuttlebutt Podcast - The podcast for service members and veterans building a life outside the military.
The Scuttlebutt Podcast features discussions on lifestyle, careers, business, and resources for service members. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with a special guest from the community committed to helping military members build a successful life, inside and outside the service.
Follow along:
• Episode & transcript:https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/102-life-and-death-at-abbey-gate-with-mikael-cook/
• Brock: https://www.brockbriggs.com/