On Wednesday morning, all 121 soldiers of my unit, the 47th Combat Support Hospital, were given their combat patches during a short ceremony. For those of you not familiar with the Army uniform there are two patches that can be worn on each shoulder. The left shoulder patch represents the unit you currently belong to. The right shoulder patch represents the unit you served with in a combat zone. It is a sort of badge of honor showing others that you have served in a combat zone during a time when our nation was at war.
The combat patch, or shoulder sleeve insignia indicating former wartime service, is a tradition started by the Army during World War II. Today, Army Regulation 670-1 regulates the wearing of the combat patch for all Soldiers assigned to US Army units that actively participate in or support ground combat operations against hostile forces. To qualify for the combat patch, Soldiers must be assigned to a unit serving in a declared hostile environment and receive the approval of the Army Chief of Staff.
In fine Army tradition, our commander shook hands and put the patch on all 121 soldiers’ right arm while the enitre unit stood at attention for 30 minutes. The 47th CSH, based out of Ft. Lewis, WA has a rich history of exemplary service to our nation since World War II, and has supported combat operations in the Korean War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and OIF 2005-07. Currently the 47th CSH will be supporting operations in Mosul, Iraq from 2009-11. Real happy that I will not be staying for the full two years.
13 comments:
Pete that is incredibly honorable, congratulations!!!
I do however have one question...who is exactly taking pictures of this for you? They dont mind if soldiers snap photos while standing at attention...are you sneaking the camera in?
Congratulations Petey! Not many people can say that they have done some thing so patriotic. You guys are keeping us all safe back here at home. I am proud of you bro. I hope all is well, stay safe.
"Let's here it for Petey"
Congrats man...that is awesome. Something I'm sure you'll cherish for many years.
Congratulations Peter! You are always teaching us all new and important facts about our country and all who serve so proudly, and we thank you for that! We love you, be safe and be proud of all you do! Love Mom and Dad
Congrats Pete! That's really a great honor. Everyone is so proud of you!
And I'm curious too...who is taking these pics for you? Did you bring a personal photographer with you?
What a great memory to hold on to.
Congrats bud, that's a great recognition! What do you think about standing still for 30 minutes, and are you totally still or do you shift your weight from foot to foot? Anyways, congrats again, you look good in your FATIGUES ;)
MikeZ - gotta shift your weight and flex the knees or you're gonna pass out. Again, it's the ACU (Army Combat Uniform)in 2009. We wore fatigues in the 1980's when you were playing Atari in your Scooby-Doo underoos and drinking Sunny D.
Sand & Ange - there was a photographer taking pics for the ceremony. I just happen to know her so I was able to get the pics with me in the shot.
Pete, Congradulations! That is so amazing. I'm so proud of you and all the wonderful things you are doing over there!
Love,
Nat
Congrats Dude! Your commander must be able to sew REAL fast if he did all 121 of you in 30 minutes.
Bri - there's this crazy new thing out there called Velcro. Maybe you've heard of it?
Bri - there's this crazy new thing out there called Velcro. Maybe you've heard of it?
Bri - there's this crazy new thing out there called Velcro. Maybe you've heard of it?
sorry, couldn't resist....
Oh - hahaha - Christen you got me (I know, not surprising!!)
Congrats, Pete and GREAT to see the pics too!!
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