189th CSSB soldiers earn combat patch

Courtesy Photo | Twenty-one soldiers from the 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, are currently in their first deployment since joining the military and were presented the 82nd Sustainment Brigade’s shoulder sleeve insignia for wartime service during a ceremony at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 16. (Photo by Spc. Maribel Granados)  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

08.20.2011

Courtesy Story

4th Sustainment Brigade

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Soldiers from the 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, were presented the 82nd Sustainment Brigade’s Shoulder Sleeve Insignia during a ceremony at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 16.

A total of 76 soldiers of the 189th CSSB received the right-sleeve insignia, commonly referred to as the “combat patch,” which indicates service in a combat zone. This is a tradition started by the Army during World War II.

“Today, the wearing of the combat patch is reserved for all soldiers assigned to U.S. Army units who actively participate in operations against hostile forces,” said Sgt. Pamela Williams, an awards non-commissioned officer with the 189th CSSB, and a native of the Marshall Islands. “To qualify for the combat patch, soldiers must be assigned to a unit serving in a declared hostile environment and receive the approval of the Army chief of staff. It is an honor and a privilege not awarded to everyone in uniform.”

For many service members, the combat patch is a symbol of pride for the wartime operations they have endured. The appearance of a patch on the right shoulder of another person demands respect in itself. Its presence or absence often plays a key role in first impressions among soldiers. For these reasons and many more, the combat patch is coveted by most soldiers.

Spc. Quanita Evans, a supply specialist with 189th CSSB, and a native of Fayetteville, N.C., was one of the soldiers in the “Superchargers” brigade to be awarded her first combat patch during the ceremony.

“Many soldiers can choose from two, three or even four combat patches, but this is my first and only one,” she said. “I am proud of this combat patch, because I know I have earned it. Our accomplishments, so far, make my combat patch feel that much more special.”

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Robert A. De Lacy, battalion commander, 189th CSSB and a La Crescent, Minn., native, addressed the formation.

“You now join the ranks of 189th combat veterans that have participated in five conflicts spanning the battalion’s 75-year history,” he said.

• Date Taken: 08.20.2011
• Date Posted: 09.11.2011 04:22
• Story ID: 76819
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ