Brian Stern

Brian Stern runs Gray Bull Rescue with fellow U.S.

military vets.

They couldn't get Machado out by land, too many checkpoints, by sea it was.

The U.S.

has struck nearly two dozen boats, killing at least 87 people, they allege are drug traffickers.

Stern says U.S.

officials knew when they were crossing and he says Machado toughed it out,

better than his fellow military vets.

She didn't complain once.

He thought she was dubbed the Iron Lady because of her solid convictions, but he says she's awesome.

Carrie Conn, NPR News.

Brian Stern runs Gray Bull Rescue with fellow U.S.

military vets.

They couldn't get Machado out by land, too many checkpoints, by sea it was.

has struck nearly two dozen boats, killing at least 87 people, they allege are drug traffickers.

Stern says U.S.

officials knew when they were crossing and he says Machado toughed it out,

better than his fellow military vets.

She didn't complain once.

He thought she was dubbed the Iron Lady because of her solid convictions, but he says she's awesome.