FOUNDERS STORY
The Humanitarian Aid and Rescue Project (HARP) was born out of a moment of raw urgency. In 2016, Burke Bryant stood witness to the horrors unfolding in South Sudan—atrocities and war crimes that were too brutal to ignore. As the peace agreement of 2015 collapsed, violence surged. The capital, Juba, became a battlefield once again, displacing countless civilians and plunging the country into a deep humanitarian crisis. Massacres, rapes, and unspeakable acts became the daily reality.
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But what Bryant saw next would change everything. While other NGOs waited for the conflict to subside, offering aid only when it was "safe," Bryant knew something had to be done—now. HARP’s early mission was to deliver aid to those on the frontlines, partnering with groups like Doctors Without Borders to save lives under fire. But Bryant’s vision soon expanded. What began as a humanitarian relief effort evolved into a specialized rescue operation, one with a singular purpose: saving lives in the most dangerous, volatile places on Earth.
Since its inception, HARP has been at the heart of some of the world’s deadliest disasters. From earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and global conflicts, HARP’s operators have been there. Their expertise in high-risk extractions is unmatched, and their courage has saved over 17,000 lives around the world.
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HARP Rescue's efforts have earned global recognition, with commendations from government authorities at every level. In 2020, Bryant expanded the mission to combat human trafficking—another devastating injustice that demands action. HARP has played a crucial role in dismantling underground trafficking rings and shutting down smuggling tunnels used for women, children, and even fentanyl. This shift marked a turning point in HARP’s fight against some of the most vile crimes on the planet.
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Despite its rapid growth, Bryant has kept HARP lean and specialized, determined to stay true to its core mission: to save as many lives possible.
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The team is comprised of the finest—military operatives, surgeons, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and former government, state, and civilian personnel—all united by an unyielding dedication to those in desperate need.
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HARP’s impact has been recognized far and wide, with their work featured on major networks like Fox News, CNN, Newsmax, ABC, NBC, and NPR. The organization has been honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for two consecutive years and has received military and police honors, including from Ukraine for their heroic efforts during the ongoing war.
But it’s the dedication of HARP’s operators that speaks the loudest. These men and women, driven by purpose, have one unwavering goal: to save as many lives as possible
