Photo By Spc. Leith Edgar | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Spc. Christopher Andrews, personnel security detail lead driver,...... read more read more
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By Spc. L.B. Edgar,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – A patch is meant to cover a hole in an article of clothing. In the Army, wearing a combat patch fills a void on the right sleeve of the Army combat uniform. When a Soldier fills in the missing panel, he is not only completing his duty uniform, but also displaying his wartime service for the whole world to see.
The most recent recipients of the largest combat patch in the Army are the Soldiers of 1169th Engineer Group, an Army National Guard unit out of Huntsville, Ala., who received their shoulder sleeve insignia for war-time service here with Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, 1st Cavalry Division deputy commanding general for support, as a guest at the ceremony Nov. 18.
"Since 75 percent of the unit had never deployed, I wanted to do something special," said Col. Randal G. Martin, commander, 1169th Eng. Grp.
Martin said receiving a combat patch is something a Soldier will never forget, no matter what the accomplishment means to him.
"It means a lot to me because the 1st Cav. Div. has such a rich history and I'm proud to be a part of its history. I'm sure this next year is going to be another rich chapter," said Martin, a native of Huntsville, Ala.
The ceremony was also important because the engineer group is providing an invaluable service to America's 'First Team'. The 1169th provides command and control of the 130th Eng. Battalion, which is charged with route clearing missions, and the 20th Eng. Bn., which handles construction projects, the 34-year veteran said.
"The group's mission is to build bridges, literally and emotionally, with the people of Iraq. We need to show them we're trying to better their country," said Spc. Wesley Acord, personnel administrative specialist from Montgomery, Ala.
No matter the mission, for most Soldiers receiving a combat patch, the experience is a rite of passage. For Sgt. Terri White, signal support specialist, with the 1169th, it means something to her family as well, she said.
"It'll mean that my children will have more freedom and have the choice to serve," said the Dothan, Ala., native. "I'd rather do it for them than have them have to do it."
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2006 07:34 |
| Story ID: | 8355 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 85 |
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