U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has expressed his relief and gratitude following the safe extraction of a Spartanburg family from Syria. Desiree Gomez, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary School, her husband Mohamad Shokair, and their daughter Salma were caught in the conflict while visiting relatives.
Graham’s office coordinated with the family’s U.S.-based relatives and worked alongside the U.S. State Department to ensure their return.
“I just received the great news that Desiree, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary, her husband and their daughter have been safely extracted from Syria. My office had been deeply involved and closely monitoring this operation,” stated Graham.
He acknowledged The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation for their efforts in rescuing the family. “I want to profusely thank The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation for this daring rescue effort, risking their lives to bring this family to safety,” he said.
Graham also advised Americans to heed State Department travel advisories before traveling abroad, even for family visits. “Again, I am so grateful to all those who assisted in this endeavor to bring this family safely back home to South Carolina,” he added.
