Real Hero Report |
the area, detachment members would conduct numerous surveys
in order to ascertain humanitarian needs, visiting numerous
hospitals and clinics to determine medical needs for local doctors.
Requesting several humanitarian aid drops, NA troops would
receive uniforms and cold weather gear. The ODA continued to
work with Dostum, training his bodyguards and advising him in
his personal security.
Nutsch, and the 13 other detachment members supported
Dostum, his subordinate commanders and their forces in
extensive combat operations throughout the Darya Suf and
Balkh Valleys. The entire ODA, coordinating and controlling
United States Air Force, United States Navy, and United States
Marine Corps air support, was directly responsible for assisting
the NA forces in destroying hundreds of vehicles, including
transport and armored vehicles, artillery and air defense assets,
heavy equipment, bunkers, and command posts. They also were
instrumental in assisting the NA forces in destroying several
thousand determined Taliban soldiers, forcing the capture and
surrender of several thousand more Taliban and Al Qaeda forces,
the NA forces.
During the campaign with Dostum’s NA forces, the ODA
with other Special Forces elements, effectively liberated the
six Northern Provinces. This included the key cities of Mazar-e
Sharif, Meymanah, Sare pol, Sheberghan, Heyraton, Auybak,
Konduz, and more than 50 other towns and cities through 100
miles of mountains, gorges, hills and valleys on some of the
roughest terrain in the world. The ODA traveled by horses
(primarily), ATVs, NTVs, and also by foot. Except for Nutsch, all
other ODA members were novice horseback riders, maneuvering
along hazardous mountain trails, often at night and in all extremes
The Detachment alone called in more than 300 sorties which was
reported as an astounding number for the time frame they were on
the ground.
Throughout their time in Afghanistan, this ODA supported
Dostum’s forces in combat and in peace, built a strong and unique
To free Afghanistan from all Taliban forces and secure peace
throughout the region.
Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey
Since retiring from the Army, Pennington has teamed up
with fellow former Army Green Berets, John Koko (CEO)
and MSG(R) Scott Neil (COO), and Mark Nutsch, in creating
Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey. The bourbon is produced and
distributed by American Freedom Distillery (AFD), located in St.
Petersburg, Florida.
AFD is a dream turned reality for a special group of friends
who served our nation in its’ darkest days, answering America’s
call as generations before them have. Today, AFD handcrafts this
American product with the same sense of mission, training, and
honor. Simply put, it is made by them to share together and with
you. AFD puts their passion, pride, and shared dreams of the
test of time. They gave their all then, and they give their all now
to you, their loyal supporters, and to their beloved charities.