Denver, Colorado –
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers from Company B, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will receive valor awards earned while they deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in 2017.
The ceremony will take place Sept. 16, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the McMahon Auditorium, 1517 McDonald Street, Fort Carson, CO 80913. This is the third valor ceremony for this unit's deployment. Recently approved awards include one Silver Star Medal, four Bronze Stars, and five Army Commendation Medals, all with Valor. The Silver Star recipient was deployed in support of the warfight during the last ceremony.
"Hometown heroes like these keep America safe," The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Loh said. "The unwavering support of their families, employers and neighbors allow them to focus on their warrior mission."
"All of the Soldiers gallantly answered the call of duty. They admirably represented Colorado, the Colorado Army National Guard, and the 19th Special Forces Group," 5th Battalion Commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joseph Bauldry said.
In total, 76 valor awards have been approved for this unit during their 2017 deployment. The valor designation means that they participated in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.
5th/19th Gold Star family members and senior military leaders will attend.
The unit returned from deployment to Afghanistan in October 2017.
Soldiers of Company B, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group deployed in support of the Resolute Support mission from May through October 2017. The company conducted a train, advise and assist mission to enhance the Special Operations capabilities of our Afghan partners. The Soldiers also engaged in combat against the enemy.
While in theater, Company B leveraged a fellow Colorado Army National Guard unit, the 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), to devastating effect. The combination of units inflicted high casualties on enemy forces throughout eastern Afghanistan.
The 5-19th also deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, 2013, and 2016 and to Iraq in 2007, all in support of overseas operations.