BALAD, Iraq - The 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, a N.C. Army National Guard unit, earned its own Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, which was presented first to Soldiers serving in Iraq.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is a distinct and unique patch worn on a Soldier's left shoulder to represent the unit he or she belongs to. Soldiers currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom are also authorized to wear it as their combat patch, signifying their support to the Multi-National Corps-Iraq's Combat Aviation Brigade.

"Not many Soldiers can say they were the 'first'; many will wear the patch in the coming decades, but those who deployed with the brigade will always be the first to wear it both as their left shoulder SSI and as an authorized combat patch," said Col. Paul D. Barbee, 449th TAB Commander.

"I'm extremely proud to be the one who can say we now have our own distinct SSI; ours and ours only with a rich start to the history of this young brigade headquarters," said the Salisbury, N.C. native. "The request from subordinate units to wear the new patch has been phenomenal and humbling to me as the Brigade Commander."

The SSI was approved early this spring followed by a much anticipated wait for the first order of new patches to arrive in Iraq. The brigade headquarters Soldiers are not the only ones who will wear the patch; more than 3,200 Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Soldiers, who served under the 449th TAB, in Iraq are also authorized to wear it as their right shoulder War Time Service patch.

Upon hearing about the SSI approval, Capt. Shaver, a helicopter pilot, who served under the 449th TAB said, "Great news, we have the orders on hand and I know all the guys look forward to dawning on the new patch."

"I know I have said this before, but the 449th TAB really made the difference for us, and we had a great time flying with the North Carolina guardsmen," said Sarver.

The SSI's design represents the Brigade's bold, dynamic strike capabilities and the dual nature of the organization, whose focus includes full spectrum combat capabilities and defense support to the homeland.

"Among other things, the design indicates strength, power and dual mission of the brigade," said Staff Sgt. Kevin E. Heiderman, "I will wear it with pride and look forward to seeing it on the shoulders of other Soldiers throughout the theater as well as back in the states."

Soldiers are excited about the ultramarine blue and golden orange insignia with wings that represent flight and a sword, which refers to the numeral one, recalling the organization's ties to the birthplace of powered flight in North Carolina and the unit motto, "First in Flight."
The 449th TAB's headquarters is finishing up its Iraq tour and will return home soon after a successful deployment.

During this deployment the 449th TAB performed both Corps and Division missions, exercised command and control over more than 3,100 personnel and 177 aircraft of seven different types. The Task Force flew over 50,000 hours and 9,000 combat missions in support of combatant commanders from 10 different bases, and covered the entire Corps Operating Environment.

Receiving the SSI is a memorable way to end these Guardsmen's deployment.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to be one of the first ones to wear the newly approved Soldier Sleeve Insignia of the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade," said Heiderman, an Apex, N.C., native.

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