Photo By Sgt. Joshua Risner | Commander of Company A, Capt. Dennis Grinde (left), from Grand Forks, N.D., shakes the...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — On a gravel-strewn area on Camp Taji, not long after sunrise here, Soldiers of 4th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, gathered.
Some smoked, some talked, and others shivered in the early morning chill.
As the leaders came down, Soldiers fell into formation to be recognized for the awarding of the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service; simply known as the combat patch.
"In about three hours, it's going to be the anniversary of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the guns fell silent at World War I," said Capt. Dennis Grinde. "The patch that you guys are wearing was worn in World War I and worn in every combat operation since. That signifies something. That identifies you as someone who belongs in the 2nd Infantry."
As Grinde continued, the Soldiers listened intently while being told of the significance of that day and their own place in history as veterans of the United States Army.
"Now you're a veteran, you're special," said Grand Forks, N.D., native to his Soldiers. "Wherever you decide to go, forever, now you're a veteran of the United States [Army]. That's something to be proud of."
The sentiment reverberated through those present and the words sank in with the weight of a dozen generations of American warriors who had come before them.
One of those new warriors, Pfc. Larry Doyle, an infantryman, received a Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman's Badge in addition to his combat patch today.
Doyle admitted the recognition carries a great feeling, but he is humble about the honors bestowed upon him.
"I came in wanting to make this a career, wanting to do 20 years, so it is a great honor," he said. "I didn't ask for it, but it comes with the job."
When the command of "Fall out" was sounded, the recently patched combat veterans dispersed to go about the day's duties in service to their country. They had entered the hallowed ranks of those who had fought and served before them, and of those who are honored every year, on Nov. 11.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2009 11:20 |
| Story ID: | 41416 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 252 |
| Downloads: | 213 |
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