AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- June 20 is a special day for air defenders but it also had an additional significance to the Soldiers of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
The Air Defense Artillery Branch celebrated its birthday and Soldiers of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade received their shoulder sleeve insignia signifying that they have been deployed.
For some air defenders this ceremony was one of many and for others this was their first deployment.
To receive the shoulder insignia, also known as the combat patch, a Soldier must have been in country for at least 30 days.
A combat patch is worn as a badge of honor, signifying to other veterans, Soldiers and family members that they have deployed in defense of the country.
For Staff Sgt. Sasha Kennedy, human resources noncommissioned officer in charge, this was her third patch.
"This is my third and final patch due to the drawdown," said Kennedy.
The honor of having one of these ceremonies may be few and far between in the future.
Through ceremonies like this, the command highlights the significance of serving the country. These Soldiers of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade took part in a time-honored tradition that fewer Soldiers in the future will be able to participate in.
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