JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Representing 30 different states and 23 unique Reserve commands, Soldiers from the 63rd Regional Readiness Command from Los Alamitos, Calif., received their 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) combat patch during a ceremony here April 17.
The Soldiers, who handle multiple staff roles within the ESC headquarters, help manage the ESC logistics operations in Iraq while working as one team with the Fort Knox, Ky., based active duty ESC Soldiers.
"Life and service in Iraq is inherently dangerous and you should be proud of your contributions and know that from this day forward, you are always going to be a proud Veteran of the 3d ESC," said Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, the 3d ESC commanding general addressing the newly assigned Reserve Soldiers during the ceremony.
For one Soldier, this is his third deployment and second combat patch. Of his two combat patches, Lt. Col. William J. Hruska, a G-3 plans officer for the 3d ESC, and Sheboygan, Wisc., native, chose to wear the 3d ESC's patch.
"This is more significant because it seems like the 3d ESC really took us under their wings and made us feel like one of the team," said Hruska.
For Spc. Sean M. Campbell, a help desk technician for the 3d ESC and Eugene, Ore., native, this is his first deployment and first combat patch.
"It signifies that you have gone overseas, you've done your duty and you've done what you signed up for," Campbell said. He said listening to "The Star-Spangled Banner" while hearing helicopters fly over made him tear up.
Social Sharing