935th Aviation Support Battalion Command Team Patches Soldiers

Photo By Sgt. Emily Finn | U.S. Army National Guard Soldier, assigned to the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, headquartered in Springfield, Mo., stands at parade rest while Lt. Col. Leif Thompson, commander of the 935th ASB, addresses the formation during a combat patching ceremony in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter hangar at Camp Taji Military Complex, Iraq, Sept. 2, 2018. The 935th ASB, assigned to the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, was deployed to provide aviation and ground maintenance, logistical support in the form of bulk fuel and supplies, and downed-aircraft recovery operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Emily Finn)  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.20.2018

Story by Sgt. Emily Finn 

35th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – U.S. Army National Guard Col. Leif Thompson, commander of the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Durr, the battalion’s senior enlisted leader, travelled to multiple locations in Iraq to conduct shoulder sleeve insignia-former war-time service ceremonies, or combat patching, Sept. 2-5, 2018.

“The shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service, otherwise known as the “Combat Patch” is truly a rite of passage for many soldiers,” said Durr. “I spoke with a couple of Soldiers during the ceremony at Taji who informed me that they had waited 17 years to earn the right to wear a combat patch.”

A tradition started by the Army during World War II, the combat patch symbolizes the participation in, or support of, ground combat operations against hostile forces, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Philip Little, a test pilot assigned to B. Company, 935th ASB.

Soldiers assigned to the 935th ASB serving in various locations across Iraq are now authorized to wear the 35th Infantry Division’s patch for their service in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Whenever I talk with Soldiers, I make sure to mention that each Soldier will have their own story to tell their children of how they earned the honor,” said Durr. “Regardless of how it’s earned, wear it with honor.”

• Date Taken: 09.20.2018
• Date Posted: 09.20.2018 09:42
• Story ID: 293668
• Location: TAJI, IQ
• Hometown: KANKAKEE, IL, US
• Hometown: RAPID CITY, SD, US
• Hometown: SAVANNAH, GA, US
• Hometown: SEDALIA, MO, US
• Hometown: SPRINGFIELD, MO, US