Special Operations Task Force-South East Valorous Unit Award

[GreenSalsa]

I wanted to get the word out--SOTF-SE was awarded a Valorous Unit Award from 1 Aug 10 to 1 Apr 2011. It was a mixed unit comprised of guys from 4/3rd SFG, teams from B/C Company 1/5th SFG, a team from A Company 3/20 SFG and two TU from SEAL teams 3 and 4.

A lot of those guys did some amazing things out there--a VUA isn't much to compensate for what some of the guys gave, but they earned it.

Text reads:

"For extraordinary heroism in the action against an armed enemy. During the period of 1 August 2010 to 1 April 2011, the stalwart Soldiers of Special Operations Task Force-Southeast continuously displayed unmatched determination, a wealth of resourcefulness, innovation, persistence, skill and espirit de corps during their deployment to Southeast Afghanistan. These Soldiers demonstrated the ability to innovate and accomplish the mission beyond the call of duty and were instrumental in allowing the influence of the legitimate Afghan government through the explosive southeastern provinces of Day Kundi, Uruzan, Zabul and other areas of Southeast Afghanistan. Whether the mission called for decisive, direct, and lethal action against the enemy, or communication, cultural sensitivity, and compassion were crucial. The professionalism and determination with which Special Operations Task Force-southeast completed their mission and exceeded all expectations and benchmarks previously established. The 4th Battalion and cited units that comprised Special Operations Task Force-Southeast clearly demonstrated the ability to successfully implement and execute the fundamentals of counterinsurgency operations and kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations allowing the battalion to defeat extremists with professionalism and valor. The positive and distinctive effects and accomplishments will be present throughout Southeast Afghanistan for years to come. The dedication and outstanding performance of Special Operations Task Force-Southeast is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon the Special Operations Task Force-Southeast, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, United States Forces-Afghanistan and the United States Army."

Finally, one more chance to recognize those that didn't come back...

SrA Sanchez, Daniel R.
PO3 Miranda, Denis C.
PO2 Smith, Adam O.
SCPO McLendon, David B.
Lt. Looney, Brendan J.
SFC Harrison, Calvin B.
SrA Forester, Mark A.
CW2 McClellan, Jonah D.*
MAJ Baldwin, Robert F.*
SGT Calhoun Jr., Marvin R.*
SSG Powell, Joshua D.*
CW3 Wagstaff, Matthew G.*

*While technically not a part of SOTF-SE--these were members of a flight crew that died in a helicopter crash while conducting operations ISO of the Task Force.