Photo By Staff Sgt. Nathan Akridge | 170919-A-FW178-01 Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division...... read more read more
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IRAQ—Soldiers serving with The Patriot Brigade in Iraq have been awarded their combat patch – marking their first deployment to a combat zone.
The ‘Wartime Service Shoulder Sleeve Insignia’ was presented to the troops of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) by Col. Brian Sullivan, commander, 3BCT during a ceremony held at their forward base in Iraq.
Pfc. Dashon Brown, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 5-25 Field Artillery Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (LI) said, “I felt like I accomplished something that I know most people will never experience in their lifetime. I felt a sense of pride in what I have done.”
Brown was so overjoyed by his accomplishment he phoned a loved one back home to share the significance of the ceremony.
“I called my father, who is active duty army, and he said ‘welcome to the club’,” said Brown. “He is very proud that his son has deployed and followed his footsteps.”
The Patriot Brigade is the first active duty brigade combat team to be awarded a National Guard patch as a combat patch under the Associated Unit Pilot, or AUP. Many Soldiers and leaders of the Patriot Brigade felt a sense of pride at being part of this significant partnership.
“By Army regulation, a Soldier's Former Wartime Service Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is the same as the Soldier's Shoulder Sleeve Insignia when he or she deployed,” explained Col. Brian Sullivan, commander, 3rd BCT. “As we were wearing the 36 ID patch as part of the AUP when we deployed, the 36th Infantry Division patch rightfully became our combat patch. Being from Fort Polk, assigned to 10th Mountain Division, and associated with 36th ID, I see it as a unique privilege to represent the total Army as we execute this mission.”
Sgt. Maj. Vladimir Querales, operations senior enlisted advisor for 3rd BCT, said he was personally touched when Col. Sullivan explained the full significance of the patch.
“My favorite part of the ceremony was when the commander spoke to the Soldiers and explained to them the significance of both the unit patch on the left side, and the combat patch on the right side. He said, ‘The left side patch is close to the US Army name tape and is lined up with unit and mission. The combat patch on the right shoulder is lined up with the Soldier’s name tape and signifies the sacrifices of the families and friends they have left behind.’ With this analogy, the Soldiers really embraced the moment.”
Col. Sullivan ended the parade with a special message to the families and loved ones of the deployed troops.
“I'd like to thank the Soldiers and Families of the Patriot Brigade for their selflessness and their sacrifice,” said Sullivan. “It is a privilege of a lifetime to command this brigade, particularly at this time and in this place and to be associated with such exceptional Americans.”
The Patriot Brigade recently deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, is dedicated to defeating ISIS in Iraq and restoring stability and security for the Iraqi people.
| Date Taken: | 09.27.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2017 08:34 |
| Story ID: | 250821 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 5,444 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, PROUD PATRIOTS AWARDED ‘UNIQUE’ COMBAT PATCH, by SSG Nathan Akridge, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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