COLORADO SPRINGS — The Special Forces Affiliation celebrated the seventieth Anniversary of the US Army Special Forces with 5 days of occasions in Colorado Springs.
“We began planning this occasion about two years in the past earlier than the Flying W was even completed being renovated and constructed,” mentioned Peter Hudson, Chair of the Special Forces 2022 Conference Picnic.
Former and present Inexperienced Berets gathered on Thursday, Sept. 22 at Flying W Ranch for a Medal of Honor Picnic.
“A bunch of retired Special Forces, Inexperienced Berets, and folks have served with the assorted Special Forces Group within the Particular Operations Group work in any respect these bases round right here,” mentioned Hudson. “They’re native right here, we now have individuals from all around the nation, and from different international locations, folks that stay exterior the nation.”
526 individuals attended the Medal of Honor picnic with 4 Medal of Honor recipients. The fifth recipient couldn’t attend attributable to sickness.
“These Medal of Honor recipients are individuals who set the usual not just for Special Forces, however for all of the particular operations neighborhood the Army, the Navy, the Air Pressure, the Marines, the Coast Guard, all our armed forces, servicemen and girls across the nation and all over the world,” mentioned Hudson. “They actually epitomize the key phrases of service and responsibility, honor and nation.”
The 5 Medal of Honor recipients included CPT Roger Donlon, MSG Matthew Williams, SSG Melvin Morris, SSG Drew Dix, MSG Earl Plumlee.
“Serving was an honor and an incredible duty which I’m comfortable to meet,” mentioned CPT Roger Donlon.
On the occasion, three “Originals” Inexperienced Berets from the 1952-53 activation had been in attendance.
“This can be the final time that I might even see that particular person,” mentioned Clyde Honest, “Originals” Inexperienced Beret. “Our ranks are getting thinner by the day.”
The anniversary honored seven a long time of service from the US Army Special Forces.
“You recognize, you’re like blood brothers,” mentioned Henry Bertrand, “Originals” Inexperienced Beret. “You’ll be able to stroll as much as any one in every of these guys and speak to him, whether or not you realize him or not. Whether or not you served with him or not, it’s identical to household.”
The Medal of Honor picnic linked members of the Special Forces and their family members.
“Nobody else understands what we now have skilled,” mentioned Vahan Sipantzi, “Originals” Inexperienced Beret. “You recognize, the one one who is aware of what you’ve skilled are those that have gone by way of it.”
The Special Forces Affiliation nationwide capstone celebration occasion will proceed till September 24. For data on the occasions click on right here.
