Photo By Master Sgt. Alexandra Hays | Col. Megan P. Tatu, commander of the 164th CSG, personally attached the 13th SC (E)...... read more read more
Staff Reports
210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - Signifying their service in a combat zone, members of the 164th Corps Support Group donned the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) combat patch Nov. 11.
Veteran's Day added extra meaning to the patch ceremony for the Soldiers of the 164th CSG.
"The combat patch symbolizes the extreme privilege and the great honor to be able to answer our nation's call to duty," said 1st Sgt. Robert Galicia of Ontario, Calif., the unit's first sergeant. "It is an honor for the unit to commemorate and celebrate the sacrifices made by our predecessors in the armed forces in defense of our nation."
The 81st Division began a practice which was unheard of at the beginning of World War I. A distinguishing shoulder patch - a black wildcat on an olive drab circle - appeared on the 81st Infantry Division uniforms; causing other units to protest loudly, said Capt. Perry Jarmon, print OIC with the 210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, who wears the wildcat patch.
The matter reached the attention of General John J. Pershing, who approved the Wildcat trademark. Moreover, he praised the espirit de corps exhibited by the 81st and suggested that other Army divisions adopt distinctive patches, Jarmon said.
The 13th SC (E) patch is on a yellow octagon with a 1/8 inch blue border 2 1/2 inches in height overall, and has a scarlet saltire throughout surmounted by a blue star of thirteen points fimbriated in yellow.
The octagon reinforced by the saltire refers to the unit's mission of supporting the combat, combat support and combat service support organizations of the Corps. The star symbolizes the many far reaching missions of the command, and having thirteen points, the star also alludes to its numerical designation.
The octagon is a symbol of regeneration. It alludes to the combat service support functions of the unit as consistently renewing the strength and vigor of the Corps, he said.
Wearing a unit patch on the right shoulder indicates the Soldier has served in a combat zone.
"What better way to pay homage to veterans, past and present, who made the ultimate sacrifice for a cause greater than self?" Galicia said remarking on the ceremony's date.
Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Fountain, the 13th SC (E) sergeant major, congratulated the 164th on their accomplishment of receiving his command's combat patch.
The wear of combat patches is reserved for individuals who were members of a unit while the unit operated in a theater of operation declared as hostile by the Chief of Staff, Army or higher, or Congress passes a Declaration of War.
The units must have actively participated in or supported ground combat operations against hostile forces in which they were exposed to the threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly, according to Army regulations.
Col. Megan P. Tatu, commander of the 164th CSG, personally attached the combat patch to each of her Soldier's right shoulder sleeves during the ceremony.
This is the second combat patch for the unit, which arrived at Anaconda on Aug. 12. Its first patch was earned during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002.
Galicia said the combat patch sends a message to those at home.
"They can rely on us to make the necessary personal sacrifices to answer our nation's call to duty to accomplish our mission on the global war on terrorism," he said.
In light of the holiday, the 164th CSG also conducted a flag-raising program. The unit raised and lowered 11 American flags to send to Veterans of Foreign War's posts across America.
"It's an expression of our gratitude and a way to honor individuals and organizations that support veterans past and present," Galicia said.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.27.2006 12:59 |
| Story ID: | 8383 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 360 |
| Downloads: | 34 |
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