Lightning battalion soldiers earn combat patch

News: Lightning battalion soldiers earn combat patch

10th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

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Story by Sgt. 1st Class Luis Saavedra Follow This Journalist

Sgt. 1st Class Luis Saavedra

Lt. Col. Vivian E. Gaz, the 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander, places the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service on Spc. James P. Flannery, an information systems analyst, during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Dehdadi II Jan. 10. Soldiers of the 378th CSSB are deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DEHDADI II, Afghanistan – The 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, from Annville, Pa., conducted a combat patch ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent here Jan. 10.

Lt. Col. Vivian E. Gaz, the 378th CSSB commander, placed the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service on every soldier who was present. For some soldiers, it’s the first time they have earned the award.

Receiving the combat patch can be special for soldiers who have not deployed in the past.

“It’s special because this is their first deployed operation,” said Gaz.

For soldiers who have previously earned one, it’s another opportunity to serve in a deployed environment.

Army troops that have engaged in or supported combat operations have traditionally worn a patch on the right shoulder confirming the wearer’s status as a combat veteran.

The battalion will be supporting thousands warfighters as part of the 10th Sustainment Brigade “Muleskinners” during their tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“The 378th is excited to be here,” said Gaz. “We are excited to be part of the Muleskinner team.”