The End of Our Afghan Mission
Hi There,
Writing a letter to you about this felt most appropriate. You've supported our mission for years and for the majority of us--it's personal.
Throughout history, it's always good to remember--All things are built just to fall apart.
As you know, we began this company and mission with the intent to rally compassionate people to help those overlooked by the media, government, and major corporations. Build products in war zones to create jobs and the accompanying security, put footwear on bad ass people committed to being better humans, and use profits to fund girls schools in Afghanistan.
Admittedly, it was an audacious mission that many believed would fail. 10 years later, we're all still here. Unfortunately, the final part of our mission came to an end in August of 2021.
With the fall of Kabul and the new government, Aid Afghanistan for Education had to close its doors to the 13 schools in Northern Afghanistan.
To say it's a loss is an understatement. If you know me and been in the circle of Combat Flip Flops, you know it's been a struggle. But regardless of how tough the struggle, the entire team would saddle up and continue forward because somewhere in Afghanistan, a little girl was sitting in a classroom learning to read. It was our purpose. And now that purpose is gone.
In reading this, I hope you mourn the loss alongside us.
How do we move forward from here? We do what we always do--saddle up, recognize the good we did in the world while we had the time and stage, then refocus on another equally positive endeavor.
Be proud that you're part of a community that put over 1,000 young girls in school. Without you, they never would have had that chance. And because of you, they have a chance now. If they made it out, they can attend school elsewhere. If they didn't, maybe they're the voice that will bring women's education back to Afghanistan. But neither of those groups would have had that chance if it weren't for you.
Thank you.
It's been a tough couple of months settling in with the reality of the situation. Inside the front cover of my journal is a Venn Diagram with two circles. On the left, "What you can control." On the right, "What matters." In the overlap, "Focus Here."
We can't control the gross ineptitude of governments and the current stranglehold on Afghanistan. So for the time being, we have to let it go and focus elsewhere.
We will continue to make quality products in post conflict areas. We will continue to help veterans at home.
What we can control. What Matters. Focus.
With the Utmost Gratitude and Respect,
Andy, Griff, Lee
Founders, Combat Flip Flops
With the current situation in Ukraine, has there been any thoughts on donations to help rebuild Ukraine after the fighting is over? Would be great to help out if possible. I just don’t trust all charities asking for money but would trust you guys!
From the beginning of your company, you guys have done everything well. I appreciate your mission, sacrifice, and everything you put forth. Everything you guys did for the girls in Afghanistan was good. We will continue to support you in all that you do.
Gents,
A heartfelt thank you for what you have done for Afghans and for so many other folks in conflict zones.
As a guy who has known Afghanistan as a Soviet client, then a Taliban kleptostate and then the new Afghanistan which was far from perfect but allowed men and women more freedom, it was a tragedy to see the return of the a Taliban. We can only hope they will be tossed out again by the bravery of the Afghans of the North.
Fingers crossed.
Be proud of what you’ve done and for what you’ve inspired others to do and be.
Love the products and the mission. What has transpired is no doubt tragic, but you have to focus on the good you did for the time you could. Happy to continue to support you all, wherever the mission happens next.
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