FORT CARSON, Colorado – Soldiers assigned to Special Operations Task Force 102, were honored in an awards ceremony at McMahon Auditorium, September 26, for valorous actions during Operation Resolute Support.
Over the course of a six-month deployment, the members of SOTF-102 distinguished themselves through exceptional heroism, valor and dedication, conducting enduring, complex, and sensitive operations.
Army Lt. Gen. Francis M. Beaudette, commanding general, United States Army Special Operations Command, presented five Silver Star Medals, nine Bronze Star Medals with Valor Device, 20 Army Commendation Medals with Valor Device, and 36 Purple Heart Medals, during the ceremony viewed by Soldiers, Family members and friends.
“I am incredibly humbled to be here in the company of these Green Beret heroes, who embody all the values and attributes we hold dear in the ARSOF community,” said Beaudette.
SOTF-102 was comprised of Special Operations Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 19th SFG (A), 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, and 71st Ordnance Company.
During the ceremony, videos played telling the story of valorous acts during combat missions, explaining what allowed SOTF-102 to penetrate the enemy’s defenses and establish a higher level of security throughout Afghanistan.
“We come together as a Family and unit to honor the heroism and sacrifice of our Soldiers and their Families,” said, Lt. Col. Justin Hufnagel, 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG (A) commander. “For 170 days of a blistering series of operations, we focused on disrupting the enemy in their strongholds.”
Throughout the deployment, the task force produced unmatched effects against the Taliban, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan (ISIS-K), Haqqani, and Al-Qaeda, which contributed to one of the most successful summer fighting seasons in recent history for SOTF-102.
“They earned these awards supporting one another, side by side, in battle,” said Hufnagel.
During the ceremony there were moments of reflection for the SOTF Soldiers lost during the deployment and their valorous actions.
The Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device was posthumously awarded to Sgt. Joseph Collette and the Silver Star Medal was posthumously awarded to Sgt. 1st Class Will Lindsay. Both Collette and Lindsay’s awards were presented to the Soldiers’ Family members.
Army Commendation Medals with Valor Device were posthumously awarded to Master Sgt. Micheal Riley’s and Sgt. 1st Class Elliot Robbins.
“This ceremony brings meaningful closure to such an incredible group of warriors,” said Beaudette. “This is a warrior battalion, within a warrior formation and we get a sense of their love of country, unit and their teammates.”