‘Golden Dragons’ receive Tropic Lightning combat patch

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Lt. Col. Andrew Ulrich, commander of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Advise and Assist, 25th Infantry Division out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, awards a 1-14 Inf. soldier with a combat patch during the battalion’s combat patch ceremony near Kirkuk, Iraq, Sept. 3.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

09.03.2010

Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

KIRKUK, Iraq— Just two days after the beginning of Operation New Dawn, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Advise and Assist, 25th Infantry Division out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, also known as the “Golden Dragons” joined the highly respected ranks of the “Tropic Lightning” combat veterans, on various bases near Kirkuk, Iraq when they earned the right to wear the “Tropic Lighting” combat patch, Sept. 3.

The soldiers received the Shoulder-Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, also known as the combat patch for serving in Iraq for more than 30-days.

The combat patch ceremonies were attended by Col. Malcolm Frost, commander of 2-25 ID; Lt. Col. Andrew Ulrich, commander of 1/14th Inf.; Command Sgt. Maj. William D. Hain, command sergeant major of 2-25 ID and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott P. Smith, command sergeant major of 1/14th Inf.

During the three ceremonies each of the dignitaries awarded combat patches to the soldiers, congratulated them and also spoke the “Golden Dragons” about the symbolism of the combat patch.

Frost, who is currently deployed to Diyala, Iraq, told the “Golden Dragons” he is very proud of what they are doing in Kirkuk.

“Each of you represent the brigade very well and I thank you for all you do,” he said.

He also explained to the soldiers putting on the combat patch for the first time they are a part of something much bigger than themselves.

“By wearing this patch you represent a lot more than yourself; you represent fallen soldiers, the brothers next to you, the United States and the 25th Infantry Division,” said Frost.

“This combat patch is also something no one can ever take away for you and is proof of what you have done for America,” he continued.

The “Golden Dragons” are scheduled to advise, train and assist their Iraqi partners in Northern Iraq until the end of 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn.

• Date Taken: 09.03.2010
• Date Posted: 09.11.2010 04:56
• Story ID: 56073
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ