BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Soldiers of 2nd Battalion 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, recently marked their right to wear the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, commonly referred to as a 'Combat Patch' with a Patching Ceremony held on March 13, 2014.
The 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment has been on ground for a little more than a month, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Their mission is to enhance the security of the Afghan people and assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by protecting coalition forces from rockets, artillery and mortars.
2-44 ADA currently utilizes the land-based Phalanx Weapon system or LPWS, which is capable of tracking, engaging and destroying enemy indirect fire. Additionally, 2-44 ADA has assets throughout theater to provide early warning detection and intercept capability to Forward Operating Bases or FOB's. The battalion's journey to war was met with many challenges, as it had to restructure and reorganize from a traditional Avenger Battalion to an Indirect Fire Protection Capability or IFPC Battalion within 90 days prior to putting boots on ground.
"2-44 ADA Soldiers' are passionate about their mission," said Sgt. Cameron Davis, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the engagement operations cell or EOC for Alpha Battery, 2-44 ADA. "I am proud to say that I am serving a good purpose here when I am on duty I am saving lives every day from indirect fire."
2nd Lt. Spencer Alexander, EOC platoon leader, A Battery, 2-44 ADA, feels that the mission allows Soldiers residing within FOB's to walk around the installation a little more confidently. "This deployment is great for the branch, we are one of the few ADA members who get to fire our weapons and defend the sites."
The non-commissioned officers within the battalion presented each of their Soldiers with a patch. Staff Sgt. Sue Ellen Brown, noncommissioned officer in charge of the communications section, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-44 ADA, said that patching her Soldiers was an incredibly heartwarming experience. "Being able to develop your Soldiers and seeing how far they have come in such a short time leaves you with a high sense of pride."
"I am really proud of my Soldiers and their accomplishments. It was an honor to be part of this memorable day, and recognize their hard work as I placed a 'Combat Patch' on their shoulders'," said Staff Sgt. Marcus Langley, LPWS squad leader, 1st Platoon, A Battery, 2-44 ADA.
This Patching Ceremony commemorates months of hard work and sacrifices the Soldiers of 2-44 ADA have put into this mission. They are motivated and not only dedicated to the mission but to each other. "I am the fourth generation of my family to say they have served their country and have fought to keep this country safe. There is nothing better than fighting along with your brothers and sisters within my unit," said Sgt. Cameron Davis.
2-44 ADA is assigned to 108th ADA Brigade based out of Fort Bragg, NC, and is stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. and is supported by the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
Social Sharing