JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Nearly 300 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers received their combat patch during a ceremony held June 3 at the Joint Base Balad gymnasium.
"For many Soldiers, this ceremony represents their first time receiving a combat patch, denoting their first time in a combat zone," said Capt. Vanessa Parker, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Bde. "For others who have served with previous units, it is their second or third, and in some cases, fourth time receiving a combat patch, but their first time while serving in 3rd Sustainment Bde."
The origins of the shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service dates back to World War II. Since 1945 the intent behind the wear of the shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service, known as the "combat patch," was to recognize Soldiers' participation in combat operations.
"Now-a-days, it's not uncommon to see Soldiers with a combat patch," said Sgt. Brandi Brooks, native of Harrisburg, Penn., and the brigade's noncommissioned officer in charge of strength management. "But this is my first one, so it definitely means something to me."
This is the company's fourth deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, said Capt. Parker, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. She said she also believes that the Soldiers in the unit will provide the same first class logistical support to the Soldiers here in Iraq as this unit has always done in the past.
"You should all be proud to wear the 3rd Sustainment Bde. patch on both sleeves because the best unit you've been in should be the unit you are in now," Capt. Parker said. "And each of you make this unit the best. I'm very proud of each of you, and I challenge you to live up to the responsibility of being part of the Titan Family."
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