WICHITA, Kan. – Soldiers of the Army’s newest sustainment command received their first unit patch during a ceremony at the Army Reserve Training Center here, Jan. 7.
Brig. Gen. Paul Benenati, commanding general of the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and Sgt. Maj. Stephen Norris, the 451st ESC’s command sergeant major, presented the soldiers assigned to the 451st headquarters with the shoulder sleeve insignia.
“You are part of history today…the 451st has never had its own patch before,” said Benenati, emphasizing the important role unit patches play in the Army culture and its history. “Someday we may be lucky enough for someone to see it from a distance and say ‘that’s the patch of the 451st.’”
Designed by Staff Sgt. Charles Traylor of the 451st, the patch and crest are the first unique shoulder-sleeve insignia and distinctive unit insignia created for the unit in its 68-year lineage.
Each piece of the patch design has meaning. The chevron denotes the unit’s support role in warfare. The following colors emphasize the attributes of the command - red conveys courage, blue signifies loyalty, and white represents devotion, also indicating the national colors. The stylized arrow symbolizes the “Transportation Cycle of Logistics,” alluding to the command’s movement around the world and back to complete the mission. The sword points up to illustrate readiness to engage in the fight.
Norris also imparted to the soldiers the pride and commitment that comes with wearing the patch. “Each part of that patch represents what we do and what we’ve done.”
As part of a new organization, Benenati also spoke about the important role 451st soldiers will play in supporting military missions overseas.
“This is a great time to be in the Army Reserve,” Benenati said. “The logistics community plays such a huge role in the success of the war-fighting effort.” He added that combat units “can’t fire the first shot without us.”
For most of 2012, the 451st will continue to recruit and train its headquarters personnel in order to become fully mission capable. In October 2012, the 451st is scheduled to take command and control of multiple Army Reserve units throughout the Midwest totaling more than 4,000 soldiers.
The 451st is currently seeking soldiers to fill its ranks. Current, former and perspective service members of all branches of the military who are interested in furthering their careers and serving in the 451st should contact an Army Reserve Career Counselor at 1-888-667-7701 or go to www.stayarmyreserve.com. Interested individuals may also contact the 451st directly by calling (316) 681-1759 ext. 1495 or ext. 1361.
Point of contact for all media is the 451st ESC Public Affairs Office at 316-681-1759 ext. 1482, by cell at 316-201-7793, or email ESC451_PAO@usar.army.mil