Soldiers earn combat patch

Photo By David Miller | Capt. Robyn Lucas, Higher Headquarters Detachment, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade commander, walks down the formation presenting combat patches to 31st ADA soldiers. The date marked an important time in the 31st ADA’s deployment, as they were authorized to wear their unit patch on their right sleeve identifying them as “combat veterans.” Lucas is deployed here from Ft. Sill, Okla., and hails from Toronto, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. David Miller)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

11.02.2013

Courtesy Story

379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA - In a ceremony which first began during the Revolutionary War, soldiers under then Gen. George Washington placed a patch on their right shoulder to signify they had served in a combat zone during a period of active enemy engagement.

A lot has changed in the Army since the Revolutionary War, but the right shoulder sleeve insignia has endured the test of time.

For the soldiers and leaders of Higher Headquarters Detachment, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Nov. 2 marked an important time in their deployment to Southwest Asia, as they were authorized to wear their unit patch on their right sleeve identifying them as "combat veterans."

"It felt good earning my first combat patch, it was pretty exciting," said Pfc. Phoenix Shields, the brigade command sergeant major's driver deployed here from Fort Sill, Okla., and a Glendale, Ariz., native. "When I put on my uniform for the first time I had to double take because I wasn't use to it being there. To me, this means that I have actively taken part in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and that I am now distinct from a lot of my peers within the Army."

The ceremony marked the first time many of the soldiers within the detachment have deployed, but for others, this was just another deployment to add to their career.

"When this nation went to war, we answered the call, times have changed since my first deployment but my commitment to this country hasn't," said Sgt. Maj. Jerry Jacobitz, the operations sergeant major for the brigade also deployed from Fort Sill, Okla., and a Pawnee City, Neb., native.

This deployment for 31st ADA Brigade is part of an on-going enduring mission within the Central Command area of responsibility, and provides regional stability to their host nation partners.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2013
• Date Posted: 11.18.2013 06:14
• Story ID: 116916
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)
• Hometown: GLENDALE, ARIZONA, US
• Hometown: PAWNEE CITY, NEBRASKA, US