Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | Kuna, Idaho native Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Gray-Wrightington, 3rd Battalion, 4th...... read more read more
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By Capt. Kathryn Rains
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 3rd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Avn. Brigade, conducted a combat patch ceremony north of the Iraqi capital, July 14, to don the patch of its parent unit, the 4th Infantry Division, as they continue their service for Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
While the insignia worn on the left sleeve represents the Soldier's current unit, the patch on the right sleeve denotes the unit with which the Soldier has seen bcattle. This particular battalion has been in the fight for over 30 days and the motivation of the Soldiers has only risen with this milestone.
"I am proud to be able to receive this patch because it shows that I, as well as my fellow Soldiers, am doing something to serve our country and to make a difference in this world," said Pvt. Okeia Burkett, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 4th Avn. Regt.
In speaking of her battalion and the 4th Inf. Div., Burkett, a native of Beaufort, S.C., said "there is no better unit to be receiving this combat patch."
With aircraft flying above, more than 300 members of the "Comanche" battalion, based at Fort Hood, Texas, formed on the flight line to receive the 4th Inf. Div. right shoulder insignia patch for their current combat tour.
Lt. Col. Steven Palmer, commander of the battalion, began the process of awarding the patches by placing the "Ivy Leaf" patch on the right shoulder of Command Sgt. Major Charles Gray-Wrightington.
Palmer then presented patches to each company commander while Gray proceeded to award each company first sergeant. With the ranks open, the leadership of each unit presented each Soldier with their individual patch.
Chief Warrant Officer 5, Michael Scheller, from Nedaryville, Ind., whose first assignment in the Army was in 1981, was with the 4th Avn. Bn., 4th Inf. Div., which later transformed into today's CAB.
"I'm proud to be a member of a great team which today welcomes our newest set of combat veterans into the long and storied history of the Ironhorse Division," Scheller said.
"Over the last three and a half years, I've been very happy watching a team grow together into a formidable combat unit capable of taking the fight to the enemy wherever he hides."
As heard in his motivational words to his battalion, Palmer spoke of the significance of the patch his Soldiers were donning by referring to the victories of the Soldiers before them.
"Today we add to our team, not just with this generation but also to the generations of combat veterans who have served before you," Palmer said to the mass of Soldiers in formation.
"This team, signified by the 4th Inf. Div. combat patch, is the most important visible symbol of your commitment to your company, battalion, brigade, division and the ancestry that you will ever display. It is remarkable ancestry to join," the commander from Las Vega, Nev., added.
Gray weighs this ceremony against the greater picture and to the unit's current role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"The Soldiers of this battalion have now received the 4th Inf. Div. combat patch and are well prepared and honored to carry the torch passed to them by all of the previous 4th Inf. Div. combat veterans," Gray said, a native of Kuna, Idaho.
"Many of these Soldiers will look back and recognize what an enormously significant role they have played in the freedom of the Iraqi people."
| Date Taken: | 07.14.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2008 08:12 |
| Story ID: | 21684 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 302 |
| Downloads: | 178 |
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