Photo By Maj. Alun Thomas | Retired Maj. Mark Nutsch (right) and retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cal Spencer...... read more read more
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Recruiting Battalion assisted the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion (SORB), for the Arizona premiere of upcoming war movie ’12 Strong,’ through several local events, Jan. 8.
Phoenix battalion facilitated a meeting between Special Forces leadership and Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, at Glendale City Hall, where the movie was discussed in detail.
That evening, through close collaboration with SORB, 60 battalion Soldiers, Civilians and community partners, were given an opportunity to watch the premiere during an exclusive showing at Harkins Theaters, Scottsdale, Ariz.
’12 Strong’ documents the story of Operational Detachment Alpha 595, the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11, and their engagements with the Taliban.
ODA 595 became known as the ‘Horse Soldiers,’ due to much of their mission being undertaken on horseback, while supported by a local Afghan warlord.
Meeting to discuss the movie with Weiers was Sgt. Maj. Michael Bowman, 5th Special Forces Group, who was part of the initial special operations teams sent to Afghanistan in Oct. 2001.
Bowman talked about the conditions he faced upon arrival in Afghanistan, which he said was a shock to his system, being straight out of the qualification course.
“I didn’t know what I was doing … I’d only been in Special Forces for a week, so I was trying to figure out what my job was,” Bowman said. “Our Forward Operating Base had already been established and we had linked up with the Northern Alliance, who was the resistance to the Taliban.”
Bowman said partnerships with groups like the Northern Alliance was the key to their mission, as depicted in the movie itself.
“At times we could go in and do a surgical strike – one mission and come back out – but our main goal was to work closely with local partner forces,” he explained to Weiers.
For Bowman it was to be his only deployment to Afghanistan, his time overseas following spent mostly in Iraq, but enough to be part of a significant moment in modern Army history.
Weiers thanked Bowman for his service and talked about his appreciation for everything Bowman has contributed to the Army.
“You’ve made a difference … and people like me are blessed to have you defending us,” Weiers said. “Being able to meet you is an honor and I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
As part of the promotional team for ’12 Strong,’ Bowman was also present at the premiere, which was also attended by real-life ODA 595 team members, retired Maj. Mark Nutsch and retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cal Spencer, played by actors Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon respectively.
Those attending from Phoenix battalion were able to participate in a question and answer session with Nutsch and Spencer at the conclusion of the movie.
Both talked about the mission undertaken by ODA 595 at length, with Spencer thanking those in attendance still serving.
“This move is about all Special Forces teams that are still out there, doing this job and continuing to do this job all around the world,” Spencer said. “For all of you in the audience tonight that are still serving – thank you for your service. We absolutely appreciate it. We truly do.”
“I’ve done my 30 years – now it’s time for you to do yours,” Spencer joked.
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2018 17:29 |
| Story ID: | 261691 |
| Location: | PHOENIX,, AZ, US |
| Web Views: | 509 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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