NEWS

General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Celebrates Successful Event Unveiling New Exhibit: Task Force Dagger

For Immediate Release:  Oct. 04, 2019

(HOBART, Okla.) - The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum hosted the debut of its newest exhibit, “Task Force Dagger,” featuring the Horse Soldiers of Afghanistan. This exhibit tells the story of the Joint Special Operations Task Force North, otherwise known as Task Force Dagger. The exhibit is on display at the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum through Dec. 31 and then will be available to other museums and cultural institutions as a traveling exhibit.

The unveiling event began with guest speakers Phil Reilly, former senior CIA field operative and MG (Ret) Gary Harrell. Following the speakers was a free picnic lunch at the Creamery Building and the public unveiling of the new exhibit with many guests and members of the community attending.

“This exhibit reveals details many do not know about the unique operation to defeat al-Qa’ida,” said D’Lese Travis, executive director of the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum. “We are honored to share this exhibit and shed a light on this time not only in our country’s history, but also General Franks’ personal story. We encourage everyone to come out and see the exhibit, which features detailed banners with actual artifacts and special pieces that work together to tell this incredible story.”

Two books, “Horse Soldiers” by Doug Stanton and “The Last Warlord” by Brian Glyn Williams, Ph. D, were winning prizes in a raffle drawing during the event. Horse Soldiers tells the story of the band of U.S. soldiers who rode to victory in Afghanistan. The Last Warlord describes the life and legend of Dostum, the Afghan warrior who led U.S. Special Forces to topple the Taliban regime.

The exhibit includes actual artifacts on loan from the CIA Office of Public Affairs and other special pieces from the personal possession of General Tommy Franks. These pieces include General Franks’ camouflage uniform, a 105mm shell casing from AC-130 Gunship, a donated art piece painted by Nancy Benham-Johnston and much more.

The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please visit TommyFranksMuseum.org.

The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum was created as a historical foundation dedicated to telling the story of the United States military and education. Its mission is to advance the development of this world class leadership training institution and museum. For more information, visit TommyFranksMuseum.org.

​Photo information: General Tommy Franks’ motley blend of camouflage uniform on display in the Task Force Dagger exhibit.