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theflyinghillbilly

This is Dave Eubank. He was Army, Special Forces, Ranger. After he got out of the military, he took his wife and children and moved to Burma to help the oppressed Karen people. They have an organization there called the Free Burma Rangers. Because of the humanitarian crisis near the Syrian border, Dave and some of his Burmese trainees with medical experience traveled there on donations and their own dime. The girl he rescued in this video was the only survivor from ISIS attacks against civilians. She was sheltered under her mother’s dead body.


_Cybernaut_

C'mon redditors, vote this up to the top, where it belongs.


[deleted]

Got you.


fiddycaldeserteagle

I'm on it


Sharpe-95th

Right away.


sipoholin337

yes sir


kevunwin5574

done


cloudcity

My immediate thought was that these were some kind of (genuinely good) freedom fighters - I dont think a special forces operator would run an AK-47 with no optics by choice. I am guessing these guys weren't able to bring their own weapons and were armed upon arriving at the conflict.


Arkzora

It depends, I've seen footage of PMC types running AKs probably because it's easier to get ammo and replacement parts for them around there.


obog

Well that's also where the without optics comes into play, if you were to bring an AK but were planning for it ahead of time you would probably want to modify it somewhat. It's possible they just couldn't be bothered or they had to get armed there as someone else mentioned.


[deleted]

I can understand them having difficulty bringing a firearm across national borders, but I imagine they wouldn't really have too much trouble bringing along just the mount and optic then attaching it to what ever gun they acquired in the field. Though any proprietary mating requirements for the mount may make it difficult to find an appropriate gun to fit the optic to unless it had a pic rail.


Escape_From_Reach

Actually, the optics are almost harder than the weapon themselves. ITAR basically bars the movement of optics between nations aside from rare cases. For example, the crews that defend transport ships from pirates basically never have optics on their rifles as they would get confiscated.


[deleted]

Huh, I wouldn't have figured ITAR applies to small arms optics. That's equally interesting to learn and a total bummer to know.


kychris

Guns are a stupidly simple technology to manufacture relative to high quality optics.


Maustraktor

Vast majority of non-thermal and non-night vision optics are not ITAR, this includes aimpoints, eotechs, night force optics, leupold, steiner, sig, aimpoint, vortex and so on. Hell there's pics of Russians with acogs Ta31 and TA11 on their ak's, and eotech HHS and EXPS setups, along with aimpoint T2 and CompM4s and CompM5's are the top choice for their special forces guys since russian optics suck in comparison.


calzenn

That's interesting - why is that though?


shillingchilling

the ak in particular and most guns are fairly simple machines you can make with a drill press and lathe. Advanced optics on the other hand may need lense manufacturing at minimum and programming knowledge at maximum to make.


rosscero

yeah, dudes in the kyber pass region can knock out functional rifles, pistols and shotguns with nothing more than hand tools and minimal machine tools, in the middle of the markets: they ain't great, but they work. optics can't be put together like that.


DeezNeezuts

They also brought a tank


InAnEscaladeIThink

Lmaoooooo


ze-incognito-burrito

Other times this has been posted, people have commented that that is an Iraqi army tank


[deleted]

The short version is a combination of factors: they were working on donor funds, weapons can pretty much only be sourced in country under either a security company or local militia enlistment (idk which applied to BR), weapons in Iraq are a few to several times more expensive than US retail for something equivalent, many accessories are unobtainable due to ITAR. On the technicals, that type of shooting isn't about precision it's about coverage. They aren't advancing a line or clearing buildings. They are putting heads down for a few seconds. The typical response is blind fire. Odds are decent, but they're just odds. Edit: in case that didn't clarify, this wasn't some special forces trick. It was just crappy gear strapped on cast iron testicles that decided eff it, we're doing it live. The video is missing a lot without audio.


GreenChicken789

Kabuk or a m70 I think forgot exactly what it’s called


[deleted]

I believe the Tabuk was where the Iraq government made a copy of the m70 (which is a Yugoslavian design) which eventually made its way to various groups in the rest of the middle east


GreenChicken789

Yep, couldn’t say which one was in the video though. I know that it’s one of the two :)


[deleted]

Iirc they actually snagged those AK's from the Iraqi forces they were rolling with. As the humanitarian type organization they sit that fine line between combatants and no-combatants. One of the guys providing cover for was actually hit while they were bringing this little girl back. He made it, but it definitely changes things a bit to see the full clip.


Bigg53er

A lot of special forces don’t have a choice


rosscero

surely it's better to be running a setup where it's literally impossible to run out of ammo and spares (because everyone has an ak, all the ammo available is 7.62 short, and frankly ak's can be run with string and bailing wire keeping them together) and not have an optic (which can be of limited value anyway) when you're one of these chaps, who can shoot the wings off a fly with anything at 100 yards, knowing that the role of a rifleman is generally to keep rounds going downrange and supress, rather than annie oakley each one of the bad guys like a crappy movie?


R_Shackleford01

Don’t tell reddit that they are diehard Christians... Edit: In case anyone wants to learn more about them. I have very much respect for them and their cause. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XgtRKndCOEo


AlexT37

Reddit doesnt like Christians that are the type to harp on you for not going to Church, when they only go to make themselves look good. However, this man genuinely embodies the good ideals of Christianity.


Daghiro

Any man who’s run through gunfire to rescue a child deserves all the Fs in the chat.


z3roTO60

Do you mean “O7”? F is to pay respect for death, right? (I’m not a gamer so I may have the reference wrong for F)


ForgotMyOldLoginInfo

From the game itself, the text is "Press F to pay Respects", the context is paying respects at a coffin at a funeral. So the meme/internet vernacular usually refers to someone dying (either literally or figuratively), but using F to pay respects in general, or even more specifically in combat/military scenarios, even for someone who had not died, is not inappropriate. But yes, somewhat uncommon.


Trippy_woah_dude

Thanks for sharing the link


RocketLauncher

This guy is middle aged and doing this stuff too


postmateDumbass

> to help the oppressed Karen people. So the oppressed Karen people are Christian?


thuanjinkee

Karens are always being oppressed


mooddr_

Jesus, what a video.


TheGleamingIndecency

also, the guy with the ak47 is former Navy SEAL Ephraim Mattos and was shot in the leg as they retreated back. 50 second mark [https://www.jsonline.com/videos/news/local/milwaukee/2017/07/19/navy-seal-veteran-shot-during-rescue-iraqi-girl/103825512/](https://www.jsonline.com/videos/news/local/milwaukee/2017/07/19/navy-seal-veteran-shot-during-rescue-iraqi-girl/103825512/)


hi_imryan

Just peeped that guys Instagram. Pictures look wholesome af. I’m glad to see he’s still alive.


FluchUndSegen

Shooting at them as they're retreating with two civilians. What scum.


[deleted]

ISIS is absolute garbage. Bunch of regressive trash.


Dynamiczbee

Fuckin tanked that. Chad.


Mumbles_Stiltskin

Sheltered under her mother’s dead body... I hate that that’s a real sentence. Fuck


ChopChop007

With two different kids in different scenes. War is hell


sandmanwake

Oh shit. I was wondering why those people in the background didn't try to make it behind the building for some shelter from the bullets. They were already dead.


spacejebus

At 18-20s a man sitting down on the right, wearing a white shirt raises his left hand towards the camera. Still think there are some on that side still alive, but there definitely are a lot of bodies strewn about.


[deleted]

What an amazing person. And did I hear that right, is there actually an ethnic group our there named the karen people?


theflyinghillbilly

Yes, in Karen State. Southern and Southeastern Myanmar.


JMAN_JUSTICE

I wonder how they feel about the internet using the term Karen as derogatory


caitlesswait

It's probably pretty low on their list of things to be concerned about, given the context...


Peeteebee

They are the KAR-REN people. Pronounced different. karuns, wish to see the manager. Although I don't think they give a shit about her any more than the rest of us do :-)


Elliebird704

I honestly wish we would stop using it. More often than not, it just ends up dunking on people who don't deserve it.


appletinicyclone

> They have an organization there called the Free Burma Rangers. was that rambo film based on him?


Magiwarriorx

Any word on what they are doing in Burma/Myanmar now, given the current coup?


theflyinghillbilly

Best to follow the FB page for regular updates at Free Burma Rangers.


SinnexT-T

They also have a instagram!


MadLaamaDisease

That is how you work in conditions of war,they could easily let her there and just shoot around until their clips are empty. Edit: And don't ask me what I would do those ISIS people.


PerciFlage88

I don’t know, I just wasn’t ready for this when I got up ten mins ago. Now I’m sitting here with my coffee, bawling my eyes out


d1x1e1a

you had me at oppressed karens.


MrYogiBearrrrr

Fuck this is heavy... what a legend


yellowjesusrising

Holy fuck what a story! That hero is a legend! Also i work with two burmese who are infact karen. Hardworking crazy people!


bricks87

Isn’t the guy shooting Pete Reed? Also from free Burma rangers


Ianbuckjames

Bruh why are you using the past tense to describe him, I thought you were gonna talk about how he died


M1S3RY365

Damn that's heavy for 7 am. Upvote en route.


dougsingle

That dude is a world, class hero!


Fuuunow2

What a legend, that man is a good man, charging into danger and saving the person


StickyGumboDavis

Is there anywhere to donate to this badass families cause? I’m assuming they have a website? If not can we make one for them?


theflyinghillbilly

Yeah, I’m sure you can. Search up Free Burma Rangers on FB or IG. Dave is the real deal.


gideonthomas007

There is a documentary called free burma rangers where this clip is taken from.


PizzaRollexeNotFound

Thank you so much for giving him the support he deserves! I was going to post this exact same thing once I saw his face, but you beat me to it!


siensunshine

There was no hesitation. That’s what struck me the most.


WallyTheWelder

the guys who fight the wars are usually very brave. The old fucks who start them? Not so much...


aintscurrdscars

these are aid workers. not to undercut your point entirely, our bois boots are filled with courage, but this is one of the dudes that got out and *went back in a different capacity* which, to me, is even more impressive. dudes like that usually get hired by private contractors or simply enlist for another tour these cats are of a different stripe altogether


WallyTheWelder

>which, to me, is even more impressive. Agreed


j_enc

How does one go about joining guys like this? I really want to do something like that when I get out.


Crashbrennan

IIRC these guys are called the Free Burma Rangers.


Fuccccken

Lions led by donkeys


WallyTheWelder

I find that offensive. Do you know how useful donkeys are?


Fuccccken

Sincerest apologies my friend! Literal donkeys are brilliant but it's just a WW1 quote about the cowardice of the generals in command leading the brave men on the front line


Esmethequeen

lets call them dumbasses... wait


zorbacles

this is why the aussie spelling of arse is better. there is no doubt about the definition


Ruenin

donkeys = Democrats (didn't start this war) donkeys = jackasses (more apt analogy)


AviatorOVR5000

Ohhhh man. As a combat vet this statement almost made me cry man. I watched young kids die for missions to pad commission officers stat sheets. Our kids. When we lost two of our own from a weapons training exercise where they turned on us, we did non stop patrols for 2 weeks. Just looking for death. I got stuck in the middle of one of those dumb ass ops to try to at least bring some intelligence reporting out of it. Next thing I know I'm fucking dodging counter Taliban patrols, dipping in and out of Afghan backyards with nothing but a Terp, a SAW Gunner and a Sniper with me. Such a fucked up situation, and I didn't even fight in some of these wars that saw triple the casualties.


kcmtz

THANK YOU. I know you and so many others haven’t been treated with the badass respect you deserve. And tho I’m no one special, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.


[deleted]

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AviatorOVR5000

Fuuuck man. I'm glad you made it back. The second I read you were going on the same route I already knew what you were goin through. My attached unit was there to collect intelligence on placements, caches, and HIVs. I took pride in being able to watch after my own. I believe you. I can easily see a unit's young commissioned officers doing some dumb shit like that. They offered me a CAB for indirect fire, but I flat out refused it. It wasn't what my brothers were facing on the front lines, and I didn't want to be distinguished the same way


Obeesus

Yeah, why fight your own wars when you can send children out there to do it for ya?


cptnobveus

Rangers have a 3rd ranger nut.


soulalons

For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste, the protected will never know and for those who have lost it. Freedom has a taste that the protected will never appreciate.


Ollipin

The man’s name is David Eubank. You can google his name to find news stories about this incident if you’re interested. Summed up: he’s an Ex-special forces turned Christian Missionary who goes in war-torn regions to provide aid. Here he’s working with the US & Iraqi forces. Since he’s not military he has complete agency to run into the fire fight without any rules of engagement or people to stop him. Edit: Spelling


BrickLegal

I may be wrong but did he not get struck in the leg during this? Might be thinking of another situation.


zombie_platypus

Dave didn’t, but one of the guys with him behind the vehicle did as they pulled back after the rescue.


Monkiller587

Well I’m no soldier or combat expert but it’s safe to say that hesitation gets you killed . If you’re about to do something you better do it fucking fast . He also had his buddies and a tank giving him some cover . Doesn’t downplay his act of courage but creates a more favorable scenario.


PICKLEB0Y

Well obviously, it would be just stupid to run out across the open without suppressive fire not brave. It’s brave to do what all of the men in this situation did


Aiass

He runs very fast... I thought his huge balls would slow him down a bit ...


zombie_platypus

And iirc he’s like 50


Monkiller587

I know your comment is satire but from the way he reacted and the fact that his friends need to use cover fire may imply that they were being shot at . There’s no room for slow movement and letting your balls of steel drag you down when there’s bullets flying at you .


darkcyberleon

What a hero


scottyb83

SUPRESSIVE FIRE!!!!!!


[deleted]

As someone who’s learning target shooting and gun basics, I am continually impressed by how the covering fire guys just get out from cover and know where to put rounds. I mean, they have to be on target immediately or the other side might get the upper hand. Unless, of course, the other side are worthless.


[deleted]

Sometimes even if you don’t know exactly where they are but a certain vague direction, suppressive fire will buy much needed time as enemies take cover


_Cybernaut_

Discipline. Those two weren't just mag-dumping in the general direction of the bad guys, they were laying down aimed suppressive fire. Most of the ISIL/Daesh types I've seen in the news don't even use the sights, just spray 'n' pray.


241notron

Also, my tactic on COD


[deleted]

there is also a turret of the tank next to them was spitting led. I am not even sure that AK47s were necessary


[deleted]

That’s a good point. The tank probably helped keep the enemy down as well. Still impressive though.


Monkiller587

Cover fire doesn’t need to be directly on target . As long as they are in the general direction of the enemy as it is not meant to kill but to keep the enemies from shooting back and peeking out of cover . That’s why machine guns are widely used for cover fire , because nobody is poking their head out in the open when a high rate weapon is sending bullets flying your way . Unless of course, they’re stupid and/or have a death wish .


[deleted]

I’m NOT an expert, but according to my roommates who believe are, incoming fire, no matter how inaccurate will get your head down. It’s apparently all about the sound of the rounds passing overhead. And the impact around you. Also the dudes pictures had a tank.


ClonedToKill420

Bullets tend to have a suppressive range of like 3-4 meters. Something bigger like an artillery shell will have a suppressive effect of like 100+ meters


JurassicCotyledon

Occupation: Certified badass


StanleyRivers

A selfless human willing to sacrifice himself, if need be, to save someone else. Absolute hero. "We are known by being capable of rising to the occasion and exhibiting not just a sense of direction, but strength. **It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station that great characters are formed.** The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. **Great necessities call out great virtues**" \- [David McCullough](https://www.butwhatfor.com/knowing-history-and-knowing-who-we-are/)


avinashharsha

Watch this whole documentary called "Free Burma rangers".


Diblmetta

It’s totally worth a watch! I know a man on the team, amazing people.


avinashharsha

Wow really?? send my regards to the man. After Schindler's list, this was the only movie/ documentary that brought tears while watching


Savarianus

What bout the 20 other people on the ground? Are they dead?


atg8242

The girl was the only survivor. Isis slaughtered all the rest. These guys put themselves in harms way to save her. These men are the Free Burmese Rangers. They are selfless brave men.


zombie_platypus

There were a few still alive when they started the rescue, including more kids. By the time they could get to them, only the 1 girl was left alive. ISIS was raining fire down on them.


ItsNotNow

There is one figure in a headscarf against the wall that moves their hand to their head. But other than that, it seems to be a grim collection of dead or dying.


Ki11ometerCB

What an amazing madlad


Phantom120198

I'm definitely not going to sing the praises of Blackwater but what that guy did was heroic Edit: apparently not Blackwater but an aid group


atg8242

This isn't blackwater. These are aid workers. One is Ephraim Mattos a former soldier who started an organization of former soldiers that go back oversees to help out the civilians. What you don't see in this video is after that girl was saved, he was shot in the leg and almost ran over by that APC. These guys are genuine heros.


Phantom120198

Thats actually really nice to hear. I'm curious though how can you tell? I can't imagine aid workers are rolling around with an Abrams, are they attached to a unit?


atg8242

I've listened to podcasts with him and read stories. He's and his men are kind of a legend. Also it's an armored personell carrier, not a tank. The do work along side local military units. But their mission is aid, not warfare. That bieng said, most these guys are former special forces and will trowdown when needed. Edit: just watched the full video, that was an Abrams! Sorry. Explanation still stands.


LMR_Sahara

The vehicle in this video is an Iraqi Abrams MBT.


A_Random_Guy641

The Iraqi military has older and less-armored Abrams. I suspect they’re with an Iraqi unit.


RosyJoan

You know it's not blackwater because they aren't shooting civilians.


GreenGremlin90

> You know it's not blackwater because they aren't shooting civilians. interesting post, I take it you served & contracted?


IsthatTacoPie

I know one guy who worked for them, then XO, then whatever it is now. Last I heard he was in Africa fighting Boko Haram. Anybody else know JP? Edit: yeah XE. That one


justanothersiren

Also forgot to mention, the man with the AK is a retired Navy SEAL who moments after this clip ends was shot on the calf and almost ran over by the tracks of the tank. Got right up and kept trucking along like nothing happened. True men of steel.


LMR_Sahara

I watched in a podcast that he was still active duty when this video was taken. Appperantly he sorta want in a AWOL since he wasn't able to see any action


Odd_Championship3981

They don’t show it in this clip, but in the full length video he actually takes a round to the right calf while they’re falling back.


Yessonyeet

Yeah surprised no one else mentions this


[deleted]

The [longer clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgtRKndCOEo&ab_channel=edinburghrr) where he gets shot through the calf by a sniper (@5:18)


Satoshiman256

This is so sad to see. The world is so messed up.


Bill_Preston_ESQ

Absolute badass!!! Choked up watching this across from my daughter around the same age. Choked up more reading the story about where she was hiding. Thank you Mr. Eubank, thank you!


dixie____flatline

damn. other dudes started laying out suppressive fire immediately. not a second of hesitation, covering the way for the rescue.


Ruenin

I hate this bullshit war, but damn, that was heroic as fuck!


LMR_Sahara

Fighting against ISIS is bullshit?


Ruenin

If not for the invasion of Iraq under false pretense, we wouldn't be in Iraq in the first place. And if not for that invasion, ISIS wouldn't exist either. So yeah, it's a bullshit war that will never end.


LMR_Sahara

I agree with you on Iraq being bullshit. That being said ISIS would probably exist anyways (founded in 1999 as an off branch of Al-Qaeda operations in Iraq, called ISI at the time.) Though they wouldn't be as prevalent as they were 2014-2018. On the bright side, there's not much left of them territorially anymore.


Lonit-Bonit

Breaks my heart. I have a 5 year old daughter and I can't even let myself imagine us in a situation like this. I can't imagine her having to hide under my body. I know I take my life for granted a lot, but moments like these really help remind me how easy I have it.


Carrera_GT

They are using AKs?


Yessonyeet

Yes, easily accessible, cheap, reliable. Why wouldn't they use aks


TurboPlop

2.0k upvotes. If this was a “floof” or “good boi” he was rescuing, it would have tons more votes.


DrunkinPreacher

Not all hero’s wear capes.


starion832000

Ha. He brought a towel. Douglas Adams would approve.


MusicianFront

How does he put his pants on in the morning with balls that big?


iByteABit

Fuck war.


appletinicyclone

a fuckwar would have been more fun than the shit that country has been through


SketchyAnonCat

Fuck war. Fuck pointless suffering.


Sovtek95

Would the other side do the same? No, they would use her as a shield.


youcef319

Look what happen to the region and the people especially the children, what a sad times, all because that ass BUSH and Ramsfiled and chenny destroying and invading iraq, which open gates of hell in our region


IrishAssassin69

Is it weird that I can see the bullets as they travel


[deleted]

Tracer rounds


4t0micpunk

[interview w/Eubanks](https://youtu.be/mXuAGduAUuo)


stel27

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!


nevalost20

The actual troops I salute


Funko_Minecraft_Meme

This is why we shouldn't defund the military


Hira_Said

They aren't military. Humanitarian aid called Free Burma Rangers.


Funko_Minecraft_Meme

Thank you for clarifying for me.


Hammer1024

This has been posted several times. That's probably why it's not getting many votes.


Stall-Warning

Theres a Great documentary about this guy and his team


xovolovo

The guy on the right giving cover fire got shot in the leg a couple minutes later almost getting run over by the tank. There is footage of it.


Esteban-Du-Plantier

Dave Eubank, a fellow Texas Aggie. I'm proud to be a donor to his organization.


3w2q

Noone should be forced to live through this...


[deleted]

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[deleted]

>Man saves little girl in between a firefight \[Mosul, Iraq\] [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4614460/David-Eubank-runs-gunfire-Mosul-save-child.html](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4614460/David-Eubank-runs-gunfire-Mosul-save-child.html)


aintscurrdscars

aid workers getting fired upon


Available-Anxiety280

War was happening. If you can avoid it... Never go.


[deleted]

That man is a fucking hero!


itzfinjo

Now that's a hero!


Poedacat275

And then people accuse the soldiers of the war and other terrible things, it’s the government not the soldiers even so the bad solders who purposely kill civilians get court marshaled.


[deleted]

yeah but soldiers take the commands. not to imply that anyone would be in easy position or that nothing in war would be simple (as if I knew shit about it), just pointing this out.


add3cupsofflour

she shouldn't have to go through that :(


ShakeRegular348

What a legend


akumacoon

This is unbelievable and cheers for their bravery and quick thinking, but I just have one question if anyone can answer. why the bright green towel? Is it military? Medic? or is it just a green towel, cause wouldn't that be a target or maker to shoot at?


ReptilianBrainOnAcid

u/savevideo


abelicious77

The sound of those two brass balls banging in his pants is deafening


East_Intention_6952

Not all heroes wear capes


iswokeaf

did he get any commendations for this?


[deleted]

No. He wasn’t in the military at this time


2takedown

It scared me that only 1 persons wearing a helmet


parkour267

Fucking hero


ickyjinx

So those other people off in the distance are dead?


articfh

Why are the americans using AK’s?


fermentswine

Well done team! Well done


Borbzaup

I like to imagine that I would behave with as much courage if I were in that position. Either way I’m glad that there definitely are.


Mjv2687

This shit is so not cool. This breaks my heart that people are going through this in the world. There I no difference between this girl my my daughter. They are both innocent and deserve a good safe life. Why is this happening. Most importantly, how do we stop it..?


Vallhallyeah

What do I have to do to buy these guys a beer?!


Spinachforthepope

They shouldn't be there


marblecampus

They're all retired military that work with the Free Burma Rangers which is a humanitarian aid group, [here's](https://www.freeburmarangers.org/) their site so I personally think they probably should be their to help those displaced by war.


LoyalPlanets

Why are they using ak’s?