Tennessee Guardsmen don combat patches

Photo By Sgt. Keith Anderson | Capt. Donald Jackson Jr, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, places the battalion's patch onto Staff Sgt. Thomas Yale, HHC, 30th CSSB, during the battalion's combat patch ceremony at Lions Memorial Field, Q-West, Iraq, Oct. 18, 2008. "The combat patch symbolizes not only serving with a specific unit during combat, but it more importantly symbolizes Soldiers of the unit who are forever bonded together by shared commitment, hardships and sacrifice," said Lt. Col. Tommy Baker, commander, 30th CSSB.  

QAYYARAH, IRAQ

10.23.2008

Story by Sgt. Keith Anderson 

16th Sustainment Brigade

By Keith Anderson
16th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq — Soldiers from the 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, donned their combat patches during a ceremony at Lion Memorial Field, Oct. 18, 2008.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a 12-month deployment for the Tennessee Army National Guard unit headquartered in Humbolt, Tenn.

"The combat patch symbolizes not only serving with a specific unit during combat, but it more importantly symbolizes Soldiers of the unit who are forever bonded together by shared commitment, hardships and sacrifice," said Lt. Col. Tommy Baker, commander, 30th CSSB.

Baker also said that it was important to remember the service of families during the deployment.

"While talking about sacrifice and service, I think it is appropriate that we not forget the families of our Soldiers, who often end up bearing the toughest task: staying behind and doing it all, and sacrificing just as much, if not more, than us," said Baker.

For Pfc. John Larney, systems information support specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 30th CSSB, who plans to apply for the Army's Officer Candidate School, the combat patch was just another milestone in a longer journey.

"Just being here is an experience all its own," said the 21-year-old from Johnson City, Tenn. "I wanted the experience to know what everyone else is going through."

Staff Sgt. Chris Smith, assistant motor pool non-commissioned officer in charge, HHC, 30th CSSB, said this deployment--his second--was unique.

"I'm working with a whole new group of people," said the 50-year-old from Dickson, Tenn. "Soldiers, contractors, Iraqis, Turks — I feel like I've become part of something greater."

The 30th CSSB oversees 11 companies and 1,600 Soldiers, and provides combat sustainment support operations for northern Iraq.

"You have chosen to sacrifice your freedom for someone else," Baker told the formation of Soldiers. "That is truly noble. You have chosen, in many cases, to sacrifice your own wealth for others. This is selfless. You have chosen to sacrifice many comforts in order to achieve the mission. This clearly demonstrates character."

• Date Taken: 10.23.2008
• Date Posted: 10.23.2008 02:31
• Story ID: 25428
• Location: QAYYARAH, IQ