Design
As we thought about building an online store to offer a variety of items in conjunction with our book sales, we wanted to create designs that would have special importance not only to us, but also for 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and 1st Special Forces.
There are six key elements reflected in our designs: the colors, the gladius (sword), the scutum (shield), the lightning bolts, the bible verse and the angel wings.
The colors on the scutum, which is shaped like the Superman emblem (the sign of hope), represents 5th GRP, past and present.
The gladius and scutum are Roman legionaries’ fighting tools. These tools are significant to 5th GRP due to its nickname, “the Legion.” The gladius pointing down means the operation or conflict has ended.
The three original red lines are replaced by three red lightning bolts which reflect Special Forces’ way of infiltration: land, sea, or air and are also present in our book title, “Swords of Lightning.”
Isaiah 6:8 "Here am I, send me" has special significance not only from a biblical perspective, but also in how we viewed our mission, our desire to honor the lost American lives and the need to serve and protect our country and allies from further danger.
Lastly, the angel wings represent a mythical Uzbek tale. This tale is most meaningful for the team due to the fact that Gen. Dostum referred to ODA595 as the “12 Malakas” or 12 avenging angels who wielded magical lightning swords in battles against their enemies to liberate the populace from tyranny.
We invite you to browse the items below. While we appreciate all orders in support of our book, equally important to us is your support of our military and proudly wearing and/or displaying these symbols of American patriotism.
