Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | The "Provider" Soldiers of 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— Soldiers of the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, also known as the 'Ready First Combat Team' of Fort Bliss, Texas, joined the highly respected ranks of the 'Old Ironsides' combat veterans, Jan. 19, at their various bases around Kirkuk, Iraq, when the RFCT earned the right to wear the 'Old Ironsides' combat patch.
The Shoulder-Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, also known as the combat patch, is authorized for wear on the right-sleeve of the uniform by Soldiers who have participated in combat operations.
With the 'Old Ironsides' being the oldest and most recognizable armored division in the U.S. Army having the authority to wear their combat patch is a true honor to all of the Soldiers of the RFCT.
But to Soldiers that have never deployed before, this day has a special meaning.
Pfc. Michael Crownover, a "Punisher" with 3rd Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment of the RFCT, sees his combat patch as a symbol of respect.
"I joined the military two years ago, and since joining I have looked-up to and respected the Soldiers who have the honor of wearing a combat patch, today I am one of them," said Crownover.
Pfc. Mclain Meador, also a "Punisher" Soldier, looked at it as the filling of a gap.
"Ever since I joined, it felt as if something were missing," said Meador. "Now, I know what that something was: my combat patch. Now that I have it, I feel balanced."
The combat patches were presented by Col. Larry Swift, commander of the RFCT and Command Sgt. Maj. James Daniels, command sergeant major of the RFCT and the command teams of the battalions at various combat patch ceremonies.
"It is a true honor to be able to wear the 'Old Ironsides' combat patch," said Swift, during a ceremony. "This is the only patch you will see on my right-sleeve."
| Date Taken: | 01.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.29.2010 01:47 |
| Story ID: | 44587 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 771 |
| Downloads: | 421 |
This work, 'RFCT' earns combat patch, by SPC Jessica Luhrs-Stabile, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
