KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The 372nd Engineer Company, an Army Reserve Unit from Wisconsin, received their wartime sleeve insignia July 11, 2013, denoting service in a combat theater.
While in theater, the 372nd Eng. Company falls under the 4th Eng. Bn., Task Force Iron Fist, commanded by Lt. Col. Daniel Hibner of Michigan City, Ind. Back at home station, the 372nd Eng. Company, commanded by Capt. Andrew Reichert from Chatham, Mich., falls under the 397th Eng. Bn. which is commanded by Col. Bradley P. Welch, headquartered in Eau Claire, Wis.
Specializing in vertical construction, the 372nd is comprised of "citizen-warriors" with specific engineering skills, such as carpentry and masonry, interior electricity, and plumbing. The soldiers are currently working on projects around their forward operating base. These projects will remain after the soldiers leave, standing as a testament to their accomplishments.
"It is an honor to serve with the 372nd Eng. Company, where every soldier volunteered to serve in this Army and furthermore volunteered for this deployment," said Capt. Reichert.
"With the drawdown of troops from Operation Enduring Freedom, it is a poignant reminder that this conflict that these soldiers served in is drawing to conclusion and the 'combat patch' will not be as prevalent inside the Army or Army Reserves as it has been the last 10 years, which will further distinguish these soldiers and their sacrifice to have been on this deployment."
"The 4th Eng. Bn. has been very conscientious to make the 372nd and our sister companies truly part of the Vanguard Iron Fist family and lineage through this deployment."
"The ceremony was especially poignant because it was conducted by the 4th Eng. Bn. commander and command sergeant major," said Capt. Reichert, reflecting on the day's events.
"It was great to be a part of the 372nd patch ceremony," said Lt. Col. Hibner. "It's always an honor to recognize soldiers and units for what they accomplish. Today, we placed a piece of history on the shoulders of some of America's finest. It's a history of what they will accomplish during their deployment, and for their honorable service- and it's something they will always look back on with pride."
The soldiers of the 372nd Eng. Company echoed their leaders' sentiments.
"I've been in the military for six years now. It's a pretty big step, a rite of passage," said Spc. Michael Maxwell, a carpentry and masonry specialist. Spc. Ryan Smith of Caledonia, Wis., an interior electrician, is also excited to have a combat patch and not a "slick sleeve."
The 372nd Eng. Company has worked hard on various construction projects throughout southern Afghanistan and now the soldiers wear a right shoulder patch to signify their contributions.
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