Episode 66: Book Talk – Life and Death at Abbey Gate with Mikael Cook

The United States withdrew from its two decade-long mission in Afghanistan in the summer of 2021. During the withdrawal,  a group of veterans, government employees, and everyday citizens banded together for an extraordinary rescue mission. Armed with nothing but their smartphones, the strength of their networks, and the conviction that no one should be left behind, this informal coalition embarked on an extraordinary mission. This is their story, the story of #DigitalDunkirk, the ad-hoc team that saved thousands of Afghan allies from the Taliban. 

Check out our latest episode as hosts Miriam Pasternak Jorgensen and Gareth Smythe sit down with Mikael Cook, a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and key member of the #DigitalDunkirk team, to discuss Mikael’s new book, Life and Death at Abbey Gate from Casemate Publishers. Life and Death at Abbey Gate tells the story of #DigitalDunkirk through the viewpoint of those who participated in the operation. The book chronicles the experiences of soldiers and civilians alike on the ground in Afghanistan, and the dedicated group of Americans working in the United States to get them out. Life and Death at Abbey Gate can be purchased from Amazon or directly from the publisher using the hyperlinks.

About the Guest

Mikael Cook is a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and resides in Southeast Michigan. During the August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Mikael was a part of the #DigitalDunkirk team that saved thousands of Afghan allies who had been left behind. He was personally responsible for the evacuation of 20 of our allies, most of whom have now joined him in Michigan. Mikael is an active member of the veteran community and continues his advocacy work for the Afghan allies left behind.

Views expressed are personal and do not represent the views of GSSR or any other entity.