Task Force 201 Soldiers Don Combat Patch

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Debra Richardson | Second Lt. Anthony Cimorelli, Task Force 201, B Co. Platoon Leader, places the 197th Fires Brigade patch on the right shoulder of the soldiers in his platoon during the combat patch ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait Jan. 9.  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

01.09.2011

Story by Sgt. Debra Richardson 

201st Field Artillery

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Member’s of the West Virginia National Guard Field Artillery Battalion deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait donned the 197th Fires Brigade patch during a combat patch ceremony at Camp Buehring today.

For the 201st, this ceremony represents another mark on the unit’s continued historical lineage.

The 201st is the oldest continuous serving unit in the Army, having served in every major Army campaign, since the Revolutionary War, with the exception of the Vietnam War. This deployment marks the first time the unit has deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“The combat patch, or shoulder sleeve insignia indicating former wartime service, is a tradition started by the Army during World War II,” explained Maj. Jones during the opening remarks of the ceremony. “Today, the Army regulation 670-1 regulates the wearing of the combat patch for all soldiers assigned to U.S. Army units that actively participate in or support ground combat operations against hostile forces.”

“It’s more than just a piece of cloth or symbol of service on some foreign soil,” Jones continued. “From this day forward it serves as an emblem that these soldiers and the 201st Field Artillery Battalion once again answered America’s call to support freedom.”

While many soldiers have deployed multiple times to both Afghanistan and Iraq, this marks the first deployment for over 80 percent of the battalion and thus, a very important and emotional step in their Army careers.

“It’s exciting,” exclaimed Sgt. Jasmine Rutherford from Morgantown, W.Va.

Rutherford, an automated logistics specialist with B Company enlisted in June 2008 and represents a large portion of the battalion with less than three years of time in service.

“Some people may not think that we deserve this patch, but we’re here, offering support, and doing our jobs,” explained Rutherford. “Just because we’re not getting shot at doesn’t mean that we deserve it any less; we’re still providing a service and our role is as important as any.”

After the ceremony, each company hosted separate formations to place the combat patch on each soldier’s right shoulder. The patch represents all the history, pride and service associated with the unit and this specific deployment and the long awaited ceremony is not only a historical milestone, but a personal one as well.

• Date Taken: 01.09.2011
• Date Posted: 01.09.2011 08:36
• Story ID: 63257
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW