Task Force Workhorse earns combat patch

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Gregory E. Sanders, 10th Special Troops Battalion commander, places the 10th Sustainment Brigade patch on the right shoulder of Capt. Catherine Didomenico, Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, as a part of the 10th STB combat patch ceremony. This ceremony marks the third time in history the 10th SBDE patch has been authorized for wear as a combat patch.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.31.2014

Courtesy Story

10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – When Soldiers report to a new unit, one of the first things they may do is to ensure they are wearing the correct patch on their left shoulder. With time, some may wonder why their right shoulder seems void of unit pride.

The 10th Special Troops Battalion conducted a combat patch ceremony here March 29, which marks the third time Soldiers have had the opportunity to earn the right to wear the unit patch on their right shoulder.

Military operations normally must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer for Soldiers to earn the combat patch, officially known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service.

“My team and I understand the hardships that you are currently enduring with being away from family members and loved ones, not to mention everyday regular life,” said Lt. Col. Gregory E. Sanders, 10th STB commander.

The work of the Soldiers during their time deployed does not go unappreciated by the command.

“You have my sincere gratitude for your service, support and sacrifice to our nation,” said Sanders. “I ask that each and every one of you wear this distinguished patch on your right shoulder with much pride and honor.”

For some Soldiers, this is the first time receiving a combat patch.

“It felt awesome getting a patch for the first time,” said Pfc. Alexandra Ramirez, human resources specialist assigned to 10th STB. “It’s a memorable moment in my life.”

She said her time with the unit will be something she won’t forget.

“The unit is great,” said Ramirez. “All the people I’ve met keep me motivated and I’m going to remember them when I leave.”

The patch displays a jagged snow-covered mountain peak under a deep blue sky, which represents the cold, brutal, mountainous conditions the 10th Light Division (Alpine) Soldiers trained for and faced during World War II. At the center of the patch is a gold polestar with the four points of the star corresponding to the four points of the compass, which represents the worldwide scope of the brigade’s logistic support missions. Superimposed over the star are two crossed red bayonets. The bayonets are from the previous shoulder sleeve insignia of the 10th Division Support Command and are crossed to represent the Roman numeral 10.

• Date Taken: 03.31.2014
• Date Posted: 04.08.2014 01:07
• Story ID: 124807
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF