Combat Patch

Photo By Spc. Michael Pfaff | Maj. George J. Hanhauser, IV, company commander for B Company 404th Civil Affairs, and Langhorn, Penn., native, places the 4th Infantry Division's combat patch on the right shoulder of one of his Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Pfaff)  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

06.09.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBAH, Iraq (May 29, 2006) " The combat patch has been a symbol of military service during combat operations since World War II, and continues to serve as an emblem of personal sacrifice.

Soldiers from B Company, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were awarded their combat patch during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Warhorse.

"For us this a great benchmark because it shows that in addition to receiving our mission from the previous unit, that we've already started to serve and contribute to our part of the war effort," said Maj. George J. Hanhauser, IV, company commander for B Company 404th Civil Affairs, and Langhorn, Penn., native.

Hanhasuer said that the patch represents a benchmark on an individual level for Soldiers because it shows that they are actively serving in ground combat operations, an important thing for this unit made up of mostly Soldiers who volunteered to come to Iraq.

"One of the great things about our company is that all the enlisted Soldiers and a couple of the officers are volunteers from the same company," Hanhauser said. "We all volunteered to come over, some Soldiers for their second or third rotation. Many of us joined after 9/11 specifically to serve our country."

The 404th is receiving their combat patch after serving in Iraq for 30 days providing civil affairs support for the 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Division to help the local Iraqi government to bring services to the Iraqi citizens.

"We're working together with the Iraqi people," Hanhauser said. "What we do is we help facilitate. We are not the government, but when we bring something to somebody, it's because either a local or provincial government has asked us for something."

Hanhauser said that now that his unit has attained this benchmark, they can only move forward, but the patch means a lot to the unit and their mission.

"A significant thing that this patch means is that we're part of the 3rd Brigade," he said. "Since we've gotten here, people have gone out of their way to help us. Going forward, it means we are part of the team and we're going to continue serving the way we have been."

During the ceremony, patches were placed on the right arm of each Soldier in the unit. Sgt. Frank Emblen, a civil affairs team sergeant with the 404th and Denville, N.J., native, said that it's an honor to wear the 4th Infantry Division's patch.

"It's a great way to honor the unit we're attached to for protecting us and for helping us in country," he said. "It means a great deal, and it's a great honor to wear that patch."

• Date Taken: 06.09.2006
• Date Posted: 06.09.2006 12:08
• Story ID: 6753
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ