Bryan Stern

Bryan Stern began his military journey in 1998 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. He quickly advanced into Army Intelligence as a Counterintelligence Special Agent. In 2008, he was commissioned as a Naval Intelligence Officer.

Stern’s career spans more than 27 years. He has served in over 70 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked with Navy SEAL teams, Joint Special Operations Task Forces, and top national intelligence agencies. His expertise includes Counterintelligence, Human Intelligence, and Irregular Warfare, and Personnel Recovery in denied areas.

Stern has earned multiple awards, including the Purple Heart Medal. He was also a first responder at the World Trade Center during the attacks on September 11, 2001. Today, he continues his service as a Naval Reservist based in Tampa, Florida.

From Combat to Rescue Missions

After moving into the private sector, Stern remained active in the Navy Reserves. In August 2021, he launched a non-profit in response to the failed withdrawal of Afghanistan. In 2024, he founded a new non-profit for sustained global rescue and evacuations, Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led, donor-funded nonprofit. Its mission is to rescue Americans and allies trapped in war zones and disaster areas where the U.S. government does not have access or presence.

Grey Bull Rescue has completed over 700 operations. These missions have saved more than 7,000 people from danger in countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Gaza, and Haiti. Stern has rescued Americans from Russian intelligence custody and areas under Taliban control amongst many other denied or contested conflict zones.

In 2022, his team conducted the first rescue of Americans from Ukraine on the first day of the Russian invasion. In 2023 and 2024, they responded to crises in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Haiti. Stern leads these missions where others cannot go, showing bravery and dedication at every turn.

Serving the Community at Home

In addition to his military and nonprofit work, Stern stays active in his local community. He is a member of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Society of International Business Fellows, and other civic organizations. He also serves on multiple boards supporting veterans and national security.

His leadership, service, and sacrifice have touched lives around the world and at home. LCDR Bryan Stern is a true Hometown Hero—honored not just for what he has done, but for who he continues to be.

Brad Waldman from our Wesley Chapel, FL office was honored to present Bryan with his award.

Pictured from left to right: Bryan Stern, Brad Waldman