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    TAAC-S troops receive “combat patch” in historic tradition

    TAAC-S patching ceremony

    Photo By Maj. Matthew McMillan | Brig. Gen. Viet Luong, commander, Train, Advise, Assist Command – South, addresses...... read more read more

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Service members of NATO Train, Advise, Assist Command – South received a special honor Feb. 8 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

    The unit’s senior leaders placed the shoulder sleeve insignia – former wartime service, commonly called the “combat patch,” on their right shoulders.

    TAAC-S commander Brig. Gen. Viet Luong and Command Sgt. Maj. William Forro presided over the ceremony, which tacked on the latest recipients in a time-honored tradition. Soldiers are authorized to wear the patches on the right sleeves of their uniforms after serving in a designated combat zone. Units typically conduct “patching ceremonies” while deployed to commemorate the occasion.

    “The significance is in the sacrifice that others have made and the legacy that others have left behind,” said Forro. “It’s an honor to wear that patch, and to try and live up to their legacy.”

    The 1st Cavalry Division, also known as the “First Team,” holds a special significance in U.S. Army lineage. The unit patch consists of a bright yellow Norman knight’s shield with a diagonal stripe and a black silhouette of a horse’s head. Those who wear it are easily identified as members of a unit that has served in more than 30 campaigns and played a critical role in the Army since World War II.

    “Today’s ceremony was an opportunity to share the division’s history, to understand whom we are indebted to,” said Luong. “I also want every person to think about our role in today’s mission to help the Afghan people secure their future. They have already made incredible progress since they have taken full responsibility of the country and we are here to advise and assist them.”

    The tradition of the combat patch began in World War II. Col. and Mrs. Ben Dorcy designed the 1st Cavalry Division patch in 1921.

    Sgt. Matthew Rubin, a native of White Plains, New York, who is serving on his first deployment, received his patch during the event.

    “For me, it’s not really about the combat patch,” said Rubin. “It’s about going overseas and being able to do my job as a Soldier.”

    “It’s an honor to receive the combat patch from [Brig.] Gen. Luong alongside everyone else,” he added.

    Rubin, an infantryman, is assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.

    TAAC-S, however, includes service members from multiple coalition nations. A handful of Australian service members received patches as well.

    “I was awed at the rich and proud history of the 1st Cavalry Division. The Australian army has a long and proud history of serving alongside U.S. forces and it’s a privilege to continue this tradition,” said Capt. Braden Theisinger.

    Theisinger, from the Melbourne, Victoria area, is an engineer officer of the Royal Australian Engineers, assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, 3rd Brigade, Australian army. In the coalition environment, he works in the TAAC-S Force Protection Cell, which oversees security for coalition personnel serving on Kandahar Airfield.

    At the conclusion of the ceremony, Luong gathered all present and offered final words on the meaning of the ceremony and of the tradition in light of the unit’s lineage.

    “Never forget what our Soldiers have done and what our Soldiers are doing,” he said. “We have Soldiers outside the wire every day … never forget that.”

    U.S. Air Force Capt. Frank Hartnett and U.S. Army Capt. Matt McMillan contributed to this report.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.08.2015
    Date Posted: 02.09.2015 05:14
    Story ID: 153993
    Location: AF
    Hometown: MELBOURNE, VIC, AU
    Hometown: WHITE PLAINS, NY, US

    Web Views: 582
    Downloads: 2

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