Local and national leaders presented Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers from B Company, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), with valor awards in a ceremony on Feb. 10 at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado. The awards were earned from actions during the unit’s deployment last year in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The unit returned in October 2017 from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan.
The awards approved included seven Purple Heart Medals, 10 Bronze Star Medals with Valor and eight Army Commendation Medals with Valor. At the time of the ceremony, one Silver Star Medal had also been approved, but the recipient was deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Many of the 59 valor awards submitted were still pending at the time of the ceremony.
“We’re grateful for these brave hometown heroes,” said Maj Gen Mike Loh, the adjutant general of Colorado. “I also want to thank their Families, employers and neighbors who stood by them so that they could serve our nation.”
“All of the Soldiers acted gallantly, admirably representing Colorado, the Colorado Army National Guard, and the 19th Special Forces Group,” said LTC Joseph Bauldry, the battalion commander.
Soldiers of B Company, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, deployed in support of the Resolute Support mission from May to October 2017. The company conducted a train, advise and assist mission to enhance the Special Operations capabilities of Afghan counterparts. The Soldiers also engaged in combat against the enemy.
While in theater, B Company worked with another Colorado Army National Guard unit – the 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) – for devastating results. The units combined to inflict high casualties on enemy forces throughout eastern Afghanistan.
CSM Christopher Kepner, senior enlisted advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, in addition to Colorado National Guard senior leaders and other dignitaries, attended the event. Family members and employers were also in attendance.
In support of overseas operations, the 5-19th also deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, 2013 and 2016, and to Iraq in 2007.
BY MAJ Darin Overstreet, COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD
