Louisiana Troops awarded combat patch for deployment

Photo By Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang | Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Sandel, of Deridder, La., senior enlisted advisor for the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team?s Special Troops Battalion, places combat patches on his Troops during a ceremony held to recognize war time service. The BSTB's headquarters, of Plaquemine, La., now forms the Base Defense Operations Center at Camp Victory, Iraq. Mobilized Jan. 5, the BSTB, as part of the 256th IBCT, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) deployed to conduct convoy escort and force protection missions during the responsible draw down of U.S. Forces in Iraq. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang)  

CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ

04.16.2010

Courtesy Story

256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Soldiers from the Tiger Brigade's Headquarters, 199th Brigade Support Battalion, in Alexandria, La., and the Brigade's Special Troops Battalion, headquartered in Plaquemine, La., were awarded a combat patch, indicating wartime service, during a ceremony held, April 16, at Camp Victory, Iraq.

While many earned combat patches from previous deployments, including the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's 2004 deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Pvt. Adam J. Eubanks, and many others, filled the empty velcro on their right shoulder with a combat patch for the first time.

Garrison Commander, Col. James B. Waskom of Abbeville, La., placed patches on the Garrison Command and Base Defense Operations Center leaders, Lt. Col. Marc Kelly, of Deville, La., Command Sgt. Maj. William Migues, of New Iberia, La., Lt. Col. Stuart Burruss of Carville, La., and Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Sandel, of Deridder, La., symbolizing the authorization of all assigned Soldiers to wear the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team patch.

"It is an experience that came sooner than I expected," said Eubanks, who just completed basic combat training and advanced individual training in November of 2009.

"I literally stepped off of the airplane and walked over to my unit located right next to the airport, and they informed me that I would be part of the deployment," the 19-year-old said.

Eubanks, said though he was shocked and maybe a little disappointed at the news since he had just returned after being away for several months, he informed his mom. He then went home to unpack all but his military gear, and began to prepare for the Tiger Brigade's January mobilization.

"I am glad that I came," said the Lafayette, La., resident who now works as a radio transmission and command post of the future operator for the Base Defense Operations Center. "Though this is an experience that came sooner than I expected this is what I am trained for and I am proud to take my part in serving my country."

Waskom reminded his Troops that while their uniform may have changed a little, nothing else has. "You've earned the right to wear a combat patch, but this doesn't make you bullet proof," he warned as he encouraged precaution and safety. "You are still in a combat zone."

The 256th IBCT, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) mobilized Jan. 5, to conduct convoy escort and force protection missions during the responsible draw down of U.S. Forces in Iraq. The approximately 3,400 Troops from the Tiger Brigade trained for two months at Camp Shelby, Miss., to prepare for the deployment, and are scheduled to return home around the end of this year.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2010
• Date Posted: 05.04.2010 13:39
• Story ID: 49113
• Location: CAMP VICTORY, IQ