This is one of the most iconic and historic photographs I have ever seen. The emotion conveyed in the body language is overwhelming - if one understands the context behind it. It’s August 15, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. It’s 1:20pm in the afternoon, 08:50 Zulu time as shown by the aviator’s clock on the wall forever documenting the moment. The country of Afghanistan has collapsed. The Taliban have taken the capital of Kabul and are advancing through residential areas. Hours before, President Ghani fled the country by helicopter with $167 million in cash and four luxury cars. This is the squadron room of the A-29 fighter pilots. They are, to coin an American phrase, the “best of the best” and spent years in the United States training to achieve maximum levels of proficiency and professionalism. At the time this photograph was taken, many Afghan pilots had flown their aircraft to adjacent countries to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Taliban. This is the last of the pilots, in their flight suits prepared to fly missions, but there is no country. The internet is down. The chain of command is broken, and communications have ceased. The airport tower and runways are controlled by Taliban. It is the end, and there is nowhere to go.
With us today is Russ Pritchard and three of the Afghan Air Force A-29 pilots in this photograph who managed to escape and are now in the United States. I wish to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Momand, First Lieutenant Stanakzai, and First Lieutenant Amiri.
Featuring: Lieutenant Lieutenant Colonel Momand, First Lieutenant Stanakzai, and First Lieutenant Amiri
Interviewed by: Russ Pritchard & Allié McGuire
Produced by: Awareness Ties
Topic: Afghanistan, Afghan Allies
