Dragonslayers conduct combat patch ceremony

Photo By 1st Lt. Nathan Lavy | Col. Lisa Costanza, commander, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a native of Long Beach, Calif., and soldiers salute during the plying of the national anthem at their combat patch ceremony, June 17, at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

07.17.2010

Story by Spc. Glen Baker and 1st Lt. Nathan Lavy

224th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Over 300 Soldiers from the 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), received their combat patches, July 17, during their combat patch ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

The Soldiers were awarded the patch after serving overseas in Iraq for more than 30 days.

Several Soldiers commented on what it meant for them to receive the patch.

“It’s a very momentous day for the Dragonslayers,” said Capt. William Mendelsohn, company commander, 224th Sust. Bde., and a native of Claremont, Calif. “Brig. Gen. Corson said it best when he said, ‘Someday you’ll be able to put your grandchildren on your knee and tell them about your service in Iraq.’ It’s an honor to lead these fine Soldiers.”

“It’s like a validation of a rite of passage,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Vickie Dunlap-Jones, command sergeant major, 224th Sust. Bde, and a native of Sacramento, Calif. “It’s falling in on my predecessors in defense of our country and our President and fulfilling the obligation I swore to when I first enlisted.”

“Anytime you get a combat patch it shows the sacrifice you made for the country,” said 1st Sgt. Brian Barkins, first sergeant, HHC, 224th Special Troops Battalion, 224th Sust. Bde., and a native of Claremont, Calif. “Either if it’s your first or your last combat patch, it’s always memorable. I always enjoy seeing Soldiers getting their first combat patch. I have 11 combat patches.”

“It means I can go home and show that I did my service not only to my unit, but to my country,” said Sgt. Ricardo Adame, retention non-commissioned officer-in-charge, 224th Sust. Bde, and a native of Los Angeles, Calif.

“It feels pretty cool. It makes you feel like you’re really part of the unit now,” said Pfc. Kenny Estrada, supply specialist, 224th Sust. Bde., and a native of Long Beach, Calif.

These Soldiers will be providing sustainment support to elements in southern and western Iraq in support of Operation Iraq Freedom and during Operation New Dawn into the first half of 2011.

• Date Taken: 07.17.2010
• Date Posted: 07.28.2010 09:23
• Story ID: 53532
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ