Photo By Staff Sgt. Angela Walter | Alumni of 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) pose for a group photo...... read more read more
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WATKINS, Colo. - Over the last five years, members of 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) attended the funerals and grieved the losses of five fallen Soldiers within its ranks. After the most recent funeral for Staff Sgt. Matthew Novellino, the battalion command team discussed not having better reasons to come together as a unit and as a family. This conversation led to “5/19 Day”; a day to shift focus away from military tasks and training to appreciate and celebrate what the unit has been and what it is today.
The May 19th event brought together a surge of alumni and present-day National Guardsman, bridging the past and the present through the bonds of service. The unit displayed modern weapon systems, technological capabilities and various vehicles including the Army’s newest Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and snowmobiles. The attendees also received a brief about 19th SFG (A)’s current structure, training and missions. For veterans long retired from the community, the event offered a unique opportunity to see the development of the organization from within.
“It’s a continuation of people’s efforts, and seeing that they’re part of a bigger family,” said the Battalion Commander. “The job never ends, and I think people want to see that that’s continuing. It goes back to the connection to the larger family.”
The Commander also noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the attendees, alluding to this being the first of many annual 5/19 Days.
Additionally, members of the unit formally dedicated its new Human Performance and Wellness center to Sgt. 1st Class Liam Nevins, who was killed in action on September 21st, 2013, in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. Mrs. Victoria Nevins attended the dedication and celebrated the life of her son alongside his friends and greater Army family. The “Camp Nevins” HPW is newly renovated and equipped to serve all the unit’s physical fitness training; the foundation that fuels mission success and continues the honorable legacy of the Special Forces community.
From alumni who served through the ‘50s and ‘60s to soldiers serving the call to action today, 5/19 Day allowed service members both new and seasoned to gather and connect in an atmosphere of remembrance, gratitude and honor. Forged in decades of service, the family of 5/19th SFG (A) still carries the torch lit by the dedication of its family of the past, and remains ready to carry it into any mission the future holds.
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 05.26.2022 05:54 |
| Story ID: | 421323 |
| Location: | COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 853 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, THE STRENGTH OF LEGACY: SF BATTALION HOLDS “5/19” DAY, by SSG Angela Walter, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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