1-327 Patching Ceremony

UNITED STATES

03.01.2019

Story by 1st Lt. Leah Mullenix 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

NINEWAH PROVINCE, Iraq – 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), home stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and assigned to Task Force Bastogne received their shoulder sleeve insignia, also known as a combat patch, at a ceremony held at Ninewah Operations Center, Mosul, Iraq.
For many Soldiers this deployment is the first to a combat zone. In a practice commonly held in deployed units across the Army, Soldiers received their 101st Airborne Division combat patches after conducting combat operations.
Task Force Ninewah Commander, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Voelkel, presented the Soldiers with their combat patches at the ceremony. The combat patch indicates former wartime service. It is authorized for wear by Soldiers who meet the established criteria in Army regulation 670-1 including assignment to Army units serving in a declared hostile environment.
In addition to the Soldiers receiving the coveted 101st Airborne Division combat patch, each Soldier received a certificate awarding that combat patch from Voelkel, and the Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Eddie Brewer that states:
“The Following Soldier is authorized to wear the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) patch for action in combat while serving in Iraq for Operation Inherent Resolve 2019. One of the most significant of all awards and decorations in the Army is the combat patch. The ‘Combat Patch’ represents an enduring bond with Soldiers from America’s previous battles for their selfless service and sacrifice inn pursuit of liberty and freedom. It signifies gallant service and excellence know only to those who have earned the right to wear it. This Soldier has served honorably with 1-327 Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).”
Spc. Mitchell Hoover, a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon gunner in Coldsteel Company, 1-327 Infantry Regiment, was one of the Soldiers who received a combat patch. When asked what this first deployment meant to him, Hoover said, “Wearing a patch on your right sleeve feels like you’re really a Screaming Eagle. A true member of the organization.” This marks an important milestone because he is the first member in his family to serve overseas.
Brewer explained to the battalion formation that the combat patch is an earned sign of credibility, something that will follow them throughout their career. This is an important step for the young Soldiers in the formation. Brewer told the Soldiers of Bulldog Battalion, “You’ve proven yourself by getting off the practice bench and stepping into the real game. Previous training has prepared you for this mission, and this patch is an outward sign that you’ve graduated from practice to the main event.”
The Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division assigned to Task Force Ninewah have now earned that credibility. The Bulldog Battalion is expected to serve nine months on this deployment.

• Date Taken: 03.01.2019
• Date Posted: 03.09.2019 13:33
• Story ID: 313646
• Location: US